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The Guest House ~ Rumi

11/4/2022

2 Comments

 
Picture
Photo by Redd on Unsplash
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 honourably.
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.

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī
Translated by Coleman Barks
2 Comments
Emilie Kydd
11/4/2022 10:24:58 am

I really enjoyed your reading of this very inspiring poem. And the image of the house that you selected, it strikes me as being so unassuming from the outside, kind of simple, sturdy, not finickity - definitely capable of welcoming and holding all of the guests that will visit.

Reply
Jennifer Snowdon
11/4/2022 10:38:03 am

Thanks Emilie. Thank you for sending this poem my way. x

Reply



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    Jennifer

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