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 Too Much Praise
Not too much praise,
please.
I crave it,
but don’t like too much.
I actually fear it.
Praise is precarious
and double-edged,
like a dagger.
I want your smile.
Just don’t look me in the eye
when you do.
Fight that urge
until you know me better.
There is a day and a night
within my soul.
God calls on me at all hours,
but I only listen when I want.
Maybe I should just say thank you,
trust your applause and glad hand.
Still I see humility waiting just off stage,
to remind me disappointment is real.