Brian’sPoems

The Collected Writings of Brian J. Mueller

A single poem, met at the right moment, can change a life.

Search and read all 1,834 pieces by Brian J. Mueller — 1,675 poems, 38 prose pieces, and 121 haiku from 12 published volumes. Free to read and share.

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Don't Hold Your Breath

I once called an old friend,
someone I hadn’t spoken with in years,
and with whom I parted ways unpleasantly.

No answer.
So I left a long message
in which I asked for forgiveness,
hoping to open a doorway.

I got on with my day
feeling assured of my actions,
until I later realized I had called the wrong number
and left my heart with a stranger.

I doubled-down and called again.
This time I recognized the recorded voice.
Once more I extended an olive branch,
then returned to my busy day.

There may still be time enough,
though I have yet to hear back.
Long ago I stopped holding my breath.

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