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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Follow Your Heartbreak

I had big plans.
I was heading somewhere.
I was seeking something
and looking for someone.
I had a purpose –
there was order.
In my mind I could clearly see
linear steps stretching out
every direction in long lines.

I thought I knew
from where I came
and what must be done.
There was a there — there.

But I ignored all mystery,
the cold and dark places,
the strangers with shared trauma,
the spilled blood and seized hearts,
the long winding pathways
I couldn’t see in the mirror.

Now I know something
about broken people
and wavy lines.

Now I’ve lived
a spiraling life.

Now I’ve set aside
my dreams and my plans.

Now I’m telling you
to follow your heartbreak.

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