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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Through Pain

...comes understanding.

I don’t like to complain,
but I’m struggling
with a strained muscle
in my side and back.

The pain is making
a great point to me
about listening to my body,
of not mistaking
its subtle warnings
as a call to go deeper
or to work even harder.

Pain is physical.
Pain is emotional.
Pain is everywhere.
Pain is the bearer
of information
that can be delivered
in no other way.

I hear you muscles,
and I deeply regret
not listening to you sooner.
I also pray I will fast learn
to heed those quiet voices.

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