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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You Won't Be President

...and I won’t be either.

President is not who we are
and not what we’re about.

More importantly,
it’s not one of the roles
we’re destined to play.

There was a time
teachers told their students,
becoming the president
was the most anyone could
ever hope to achieve.

They told little girls and boys
of all aptitudes and characteristics
they, too, can be president.
But this is simply too limiting,
and shrinks the world of possibilities
just as it begins opening to them.

Maybe you don’t agree.
That’s fine by me.
But then I’d ask you,
Why aren’t you president?

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