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 Out Alone

...but only the first time.

I want freedom
from worry
I want courage
to face this world.
I want strength
to do what I must do.
I want love
as my constant companion.

Do I ask too much?

No,
says my soul.
But until you suffer
the harsh realities of life
and become one with all,
you will seek only medicine
and maps with shortcuts
to places your mind desires.

You must go out alone
in order to learn prayer.
You must lay in your own grave
to awaken beyond death.

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