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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Mystical Embryo

My life thus far
has been in many ways good,
and in many ways easy.

I am grateful,
but also loathe to admit
the guilt I once felt
at not having to suffer
in order to earn my good fortune.

Nevertheless,
time and that bitter experience,
better known as defeat,
planted a seed of wisdom in my soul—
the same seed I failed to swallow whole.
Now it grows steadily
in a darkness I can’t comprehend.

This mystical embryo
thrives in deep silence
while it bears witness to my pain,
turning my guilt into compassion,
and my good fortune
into gratitude.

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