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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Keeping Awake

through the suffering.

There is a kind of silence
that is full of noise,
and a kind of dryness
that is sopping wet.

So doesn’t it follow
there might be a pain,
after which will exist
some unexpected joy?

I see the need for certainty.
How else could you build
a rocket to the moon?

But more relevant
to your life this coming day,
when the milk suddenly sours
and the truth you’ve been holding
rips through the brown paper sack
you’ve carried too long at your side,
is a gentle reminder to keep going
and not attempt to recover
whatever has been lost.

Remember all you can,
then continue your search
through pain and darkness
for a shining new light.

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