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.
Rumi, “The Guest House”
