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 Perfect Space

...exists alongside our imperfection.

Why does it surprise you
to learn you’re not perfect?

If you’d give it some thought
you’ll see perfection is subjective,
and that the unattainable ideal,
perhaps instilled by mom or dad
or by the world in which you live,
is akin to fashioning wings
so you can fly like a bird.

Let those wrinkles around your eyes
become the cracks in your certainty.

Stand up straight.
Relax your brow and your fist.
You’ll need to draw a deep breath
after receiving this gut blow.

Maybe today you can begin
living within your imperfection,
and thus tomorrow life and love
may flow freely through you.