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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Tempting Fate

...by playing with fire...

Have you ever pushed,
poked and prodded
until you woke a demon
who burned down your house?

Like a piano player
thrashing the keys,
I search for new chords,
frustrated yet knowing
there must be some more
out there and in here.

I can’t stop
pushing buttons,
poking at people,
prodding the lazy.

I may be flirting
with some new demons,
but I’ve broken through before,
and there’s something in me
longing to go back.