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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Releasing

What it means to die before you die.

Some say it’s easy to let go
when the end is near.
I don’t know for certain,
but some kind of ending
is fast approaching.

My new beginning
is pointing like an arrow,
urging me into consultation
with my living elders -
into the darkness
and out through light.

Men and women
show me their scars,
and though I cannot see
my own battle wounds,
I must trust I am healing.

I now tell others about
my aching shoulders,
how I can no longer carry
the weight and responsibility
I once gladly accepted.

They laugh and nod,
pour me a drink,
then urge me to rest
while I sit back and enjoy
the relief in letting go.