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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Toxic Masculinity

The expectations of it were hard on me.

I’ve given up taking offense
at the angry and powerful men
who treat this world
like their private clubhouse
with too little regard
for anyone or anything in it.

Men even treat each other poorly
while trying to surpass their fathers
with ever greater demonstrations
of wealth, power and depravity.

Someday one of them
will likely claim and name
a hurricane after himself,
because the destructive wake
he is sure to leave behind
will destroy everyone,
even his neglected family.


I take solace knowing
all storms soon end.
And I refuse to be bitter
when the sun is only hidden
behind these dark clouds.

A new day arrives
with each passing moment.
It comes without herald
nor any special delivery.
There is nothing I must do
other than face my anger
so that I don’t fuel
this toxic masculinity.

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