Brian’sPoems

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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The Crescendo

...that great run of notes.

I’ve seen a piano with toes
carved on giant claw-like feet,
standing ready and waiting
for that great run of notes
which will loosen its varnish skin,
allowing it to leap from the stage,
and like the specter of a jaguar
paralyze onlookers in their seats.

The gifted virtuoso must then
struggle and fight the beast,
coaxing him back on stage
by soothing the hardwood body,
and gently tapping the ivory keys
so as not to awaken the elephant
in search of his tusks.

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