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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Lost in the City

A wooden house
tucked deeply into the forest
makes a lot of noise,
especially at night.

Every board is resonant,
responding in its own creaky voice
to the wind and the rain,
and to the changing temperature.

Nighttime in the forest
is jarring for the city dweller.
All the sounds are distinct
and therefore seem ominous.

Two nights ago I listened
to miles of endless traffic,
to my chatty neighbors
and a low flying airplane,
as I drifted easily into sleep.

Last night I laid awake
listening to more subtle sounds,
ones speaking in unfamiliar voices.
All the while my imagination laughed,
you’re still lost in the city.

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