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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Only My Soul (The Way Is Love)

...speaks the mystics' language.

Who speaks to you?

I mean, who is it
that can cut through the crap
and speak to your soul?

In the silence
I am mincemeat.

I declare, Thank God
my soul won't listen to me!

Like a flower turning toward the sun,
my soul comes to attention
when Rumi speaks.

Please don't repeat my mistake,
thinking that you know
what the mystics are saying.
Only the soul speaks their language.

I told you,
I am only meat.

My journey lengthens
when I am self-centered.

The way is love.

Failing that,
I go with empathy.