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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Stolen Voice

...an ode to silence...

I inhale slowly,
then push the air upward,
over my vocal cords.

But all that comes out
are some pops and squeaks,
like an old and favorite song,
familiar in tempo and tenor
yet missing the expected notes.

Who or what stole my voice?
I honestly don’t know.

If it’s an infection,
it lacks a fever and congestion.

If it’s acid reflux,
I’m not experiencing heartburn.

If it’s the climate,
I can’t remember better weather.

What could it be?
Stress? Strain? A virus?

I never fully understood
the power of a voice
until I lost mine.