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.

Search tips

Search by title, first line, poem text, book, or type — results appear as you type. Look inside the poems for any word or line, or wrap a phrase in "quotes" to find it exactly. Use the chips and the book menu to narrow things down.


Too Much Talk

Shhhhhhh...

I sometimes stop

– mid–sentence
and abruptly aware
my words are moving –
entering the hearts and minds
of those hearing them.

At times it startles me
to gain this rapt attention.
My words begin to slow, or
I may fall completely silent,
as I question the wisdom
transmitted between us.

Now that I know
the power of speech,
I endeavor to speak less
and do most of my talking
alone in my sleep.