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 Voice

I take a breath and hold it.
I cross my arms and shrug gracelessly
as the shrill voice on my right
rakes the follicles on my neck.

I feel my anger rising
and the more familiar resentment
at listening to a voice
not knowing its own neediness.
It does not even realize
the candle is growing dim
as the oxygen lessens.

I begin to wonder
whether I’m the only cynic listening.
Perhaps I have appointed myself
the Guardian of Good Graces,
and in my silent protest
hold back some important mystery.

This piercing voice,
desires deeply to connect
and seems so desperate for any help.

As the divine conjures my patience
I begin to feel my own bleeding heart.
Slowly I recognize the voice of God
and my heart begins to open.

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