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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Full of It

I was mostly unaware,
as those around me worked,
to help fill the container
which eventually became me.

For so many years
I was bottomless,
until suddenly,
I was full.

I threw my fullness
this way and that,
so certain within me
was what the world needed.

Thus I sought to fill others,
just as I had been filled,
while unaware my spillage
was contaminating everything.

It took years to be emptied,
along with unappreciated help.
Still, I’m glad for this day
when I must carry nothing
but the capacity
to open my heart.