The Guest House by

Jalal-ad-Din Muhammad Rumi

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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

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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

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The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in

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Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond

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