Poetry for the Soul: The Guest House by Jalaluddin Rumi, 13th century Persian poet.
In our darkest hours, when we are at our most vulnerable, we can visit the wisdom of our poets. Poetry is like food for our soul and can become a co-traveler for the road ahead.
The Guest House by 13th century Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi (translation by Coleman Barks, art by TomPrante
on DeviantArt)
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 are 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 whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
