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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Browse the Twelve Volumes
Brian’s collected pieces, volume by volume.
True Desires
It seems to me that we as people are fondest of that which we cannot have, or rather cannot come by so easily. Often the “pie in the sky” is prosperity, but capitalism has bastardized this elusive desire and now it has become greed. In fact there is little in this world we (Americans) cannot pursue in the utter certainty we shall succeed in obtaining it. Still, quite the opposite has come true as of late. We obsess in our wealth and are easily overcome by it. We have “too much of a good thing.”
Good people are lost each day. It is not easy to decipher what you want and what you really need. I know. Many of us keep the answer in the darkest recesses of our mind. Alone with thought we are virtuous and free about our true desires. Like sparks, life triggers the emotions inherent in us. That accountant never wanted anything more than to be the leader of a marching band (too silly, no money in that!). That bus driver really, really wanted to be a law professor (no self-assurance or family support!). This politician wants to be a hairdresser (freedom must be an illusion!). And so it goes.
I make no bones about it. The truth for me lies close to the surface. Again, it seems, no one dares ask another for the truth in desires. I hold it close, but dig ever so slightly and you will see it all. I desire to be a writer, a poet, a philosopher, a man who makes others think, smile, and cry. And though I can scarcely imagine a sweeter life, all this I would gladly trade for the love of one woman. (I am American; must I sacrifice anything?) Work as a mole in an office my whole life, I could, for that love of mine. Of course I would never see it beneath me to stoop to the earth to gather the food we eat. If she bids it, I will do it.
I plan to get off with a lighter sentence, and with equal depth of love. Nonetheless, that is my true desire: true love. Tonight as I type this I look down at my body. It is sore as I am working hard to restore the strength and shape so recently lost. My body fights wars on many fronts, against many foes. I appreciate this. My mind must help. And so it shall.