Introspection
The Guest House by Rumi
On March 7, 2023 by Speranza
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.
Lovely poem. Sort of reminds me of Cohen’s ‘The Guests’.
What a beautiful poem – it describes the daily lodgers so well. Be they temporary or permanent. And the idea of being a welcoming host…