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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Second Spring

...amidst the fallen leaves...

All the leaves are brown
and have fallen to the ground
beneath the young ash tree
anchored to the hill beside me.

While I rake those leaves
my thoughts turn to music,
some sort of distraction
from the cold and my chore.

I want rhythm and rhyme,
a quick turn of phrase,
and a driving, energetic beat
to keep me warm until I finish.

But my soul desires country music,
simple words and string instruments.
It wants to be told a good story,
and for me to let the leaves lie.