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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Fond du Lac

If it quacks like a duck...

Share with me,
O goddess of this lake,
all the secrets you’ve kept
since that glacier receded
and carved your body
into this granite rock.

Your waters are clear,
but the stone absorbs all light,
thus concealing your face
deep beneath the glassy surface.

You said to come,
and I have come.
You said to enjoy the breeze,
so I sit and face the wind.
You said to take off my shoes
and wade into your waters,
now my feet are cool
and no longer sore.

I ask you once more
to share your secrets with me.
But you only send a duck,
who’s laughing while paddling,
and repeatedly quacking,
There are none.
There are none.