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.
From Essential Rumi
by Coleman Barks
For many reasons I wish to contemplate this poem right now. I think it was the first Rumi poem I read - it is definitely one that gets attention in the world I run around in. The more I contemplate these poems the more I realize that each one could be one - that I could spend all year contemplating one and it would be the same as spending all year contemplating eight hundred. Do you understand?
I am grateful for whoever comes - scared, sad, screwed-up and grateful. Come away. You will anyway.
Thank you, masha'allah! We have a little Rumi study group and I needed something for tonight. This is so beautiful and very to the point with the other poem that is being shared.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete