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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Go Ahead, Cry

Hear that lonesome whippoorwill...

If you’re not going to cry,
go sit with the old men
slowly becoming a rock wall.

There’s something to be said
for saying no
and for pushing back.

There’s something to be admired
in knowing how
and in being certain.

And there’s even something to
being the hammer
that gets the job done.

After all,
it’s your stubborn resolve
that got you through
all the long, lonesome nights.

But now only tears
will keep you from hardening
into that rock wall.