Wednesday April 1 – “This being human is a guest house.”
Sometimes, one of the readers of this poetry blog steps into the editor’s role and suggests repeating a previous poem. So yesterday afternoon. “’The Guest House,’ my favorite poem so far in all these posts.” “But,” I replied, we posted it late in January; this runs pretty close in time.” “So what?” s/he replied. “It’s beautiful.” Good call. I’ve read it 3 times since getting up and I think I am the better for it. Perhaps you will be too. Best to read the poem out loud, with some pauses; maybe more than once through the day.
Weather.com says sun by 10:30, good high pressure system, and 51% humidity by two. Daffodils look more energetic by the day.
Have a blest day.
john sj
Today’s Post Today’s Post “The Guest House”
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.
Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī (جلالالدین محمد رومی)
Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic 1207-1273.