Brian’sPoems

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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Joy

...comes with gratitude.

Today I invite Joy.
But if Joy doesn’t accept
my halfhearted invitation
I’ll keep it open,
and perhaps Joy will come
unexpectedly,
in a moment when
I am wholeheartedly present
even though I’m listening
to things I don’t want to hear,
seeing things
I cannot unsee,
wrestling imaginary
demons I create,
feeling so many
different feelings.

I never lack the desire
to invite Joy into my life,
but often I’m not as hospitable
as I’d like to be.

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