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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Lightness of Being

...is awaiting you now.

When I lapse into longing,
it’s never for one thing,
a single moment in time.

No,
I long for large swaths
of undefinable time
and uncertain place,
always a little fuzzy,
but no less credible
than this heartfelt poem
of fond recollection.

I long for times
when I saw everything
with new eyes.

I long for times
every song soothed me
like a sweet lullaby.

I long for times
when each encounter held
mystery and magic.

I long for times
when I felt profoundly
the great loving support
of everyone and everything.

But hear me when I say
that those times I long for
were most often preceded
by some personal tragedy,
followed by a prolonged period
stumbling through darkness.

And those who refuse
to venture into the dark,
will never fully experience
the beautiful and breathtaking
lightness of being.