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.
What's the Right Amount?
Trust your instincts.
What’s the right amount
to say and do,
to read and write,
to work and play,
to eat and drink,
to love, love, love
and then let go?
When I wanted to talk,
no one asked me to speak.
Now that I’ve something to say
I’m reluctant to disturb the peace.
The East calls silence a virtue,
while the West says actions
speak louder than words.
So I’ve learned to take
the narrow path in-between.
I hold my breath when necessary
and speak when I’m invited.