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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Keep Moving

You’re probably a lot like me.
You’d rather keep moving
than to notice the paint chipping and peeling,
just keep moving rather
than take stock of your life.

There’s something intrinsic within you
denying or unaware the day would grow long,
that the puppy would become tired and gray,
that the pavement would crater and crack,
that the clearing would return to the forest.

You had to know better.
For even as you dismissed the old man in the wheelchair,
their must’ve been a voice inside
calmly telling you the truth:
Old age is a gift and responsibility.

Yes, the road ahead continues beyond the horizon,
and this busy day demands all of your attention.
Still the time has just now arrived when
you see more clearly what is and what will be,
and nothing can stop you from loving it.