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 Dentist

I don’t avoid the dentist.
I’ve been going twice a year
since I had more teeth than fingers.
And I certainly appreciate
what a quality dentist can do.

Now I believe it’s true
we all look into each other’s mouth
more often than we’d freely admit.
For instance I know that I speak
from one corner of my mouth.
I also wonder why it is
she sticks out her tongue when happy.
I can see he’s got no teeth left
but doesn’t seem to care.
And I can’t help but notice her lips
which she holds perpetually
in an upside down smile.

The dentist knows all,
even our dark secrets.
When we open our mouths wide,
who can conceal everything
we ever put inside,
that has since taken on
a life of its own?

I’m going to the dentist today.
Though I don’t expect any issues,
I pray earnestly to be spared
his archaeological drill.

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