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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Browse the Twelve Volumes
Brian’s collected pieces, volume by volume.
Not Speaking
Hoarse,
I feebly attempt
to clear my throat.
Only a raspy reed remains
where once was
a full baritone.
I can feel the phlegm
clinging stubbornly to my throat,
refusing to be coughed away.
Why did I call out so violently?
I howled my grief
and raged at the moon,
only to lose my thunder.
I’ve got lots to share
but have now lost
the means to say it.
Maybe this is a gift,
the price I must pay
for having roared my grief
into the cold night air.
I must rest my voice
to reinvigorate my words.
Becoming a listener is a gift too.
Not speaking will make it easier.