The Guest House
The Guest House
Rumi
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This being human is a guest house.
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Every morning a new arrival.
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A joy, a depression, a meanness,
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some momentary awareness comes
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as an unexpected visitor.
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Welcome and entertain them all!
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Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
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who violently sweep your house
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empty of its furniture,
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still, treat each guest honorably.
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He may be clearing you out
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for some new delight.
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The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
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meet them at the door laughing,
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and invite them in.
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Be grateful for whoever comes,
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because each has been sent
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as a guide from beyond.