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 Game

For most it’s not a choice.

The game goes on
endlessly and everywhere,
on all kinds of fields,
outside in the open
or enclosed within structures.

You never truly see the game
until you call timeout,
go over to the sideline,
take a knee and watch.

Even better
is to put some distance
between yourself
and the game.
Then, slowly
all comes into focus.

First you see the field,
next the players,
then the managers.
Finally you may notice
the losers and the winners,
which will lead you to wonder
why anyone plays the game at all.