Monday, April 21, 2008

The Guesthouse

A little wisdom from the great Persian poet Rumi.

The Guesthouse

This being human is a guesthouse
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 cleaning 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 the beyond


Translated by Coleman Barks

1 comment:

mjr said...

I love this, Sherri Jo. Thanks for sharing. Know that you will be constantly in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow morning. Love you