THE GUEST HOUSE
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression,
a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even
if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each
guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been
sent
As a guide from beyond.
This translation of Rumi is by Coleman Barks in his volume
“The Essential Rumi,” published by Harper San Francisco, copyright 2004.
From
SoulAnswer.com
