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.

Search tips

Search by title, first line, poem text, book, or type — results appear as you type. Look inside the poems for any word or line, or wrap a phrase in "quotes" to find it exactly. Use the chips and the book menu to narrow things down.


I am a filter.

All over my neighborhood
tiny signs have sprouted
warning parents to keep children off the grass
which has been treated by some noxious chemical,
so that next Spring it will grow lush and green
like the photos in Better Homes and Gardens.
...
Now I pause here for a moment
before going on with this poem.
And I must admit to my own sadness
which makes me critical and judgmental.
Further I know the needless chemicals we spray,
are just a small part of a greater truth
that has something to do with our fear of death
which inevitably lessens our lives.

This filter through which I see the world,
more than anything,
I hope it is colored by faith and love.