An Alpine Guest House
The Guest House
Being human you are as a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy or depression or a meanness,
or some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome them all and entertain them!
Even if they are a gang of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
clean of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be sweeping away your trappings
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Be thankful for whatever comes.
because each gift has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jellaludin Rumi,