Rumi is one of two poets I feel wrote their poems for me, even though I never met either one. The other was Mary Oliver.
I believe a part of being human and accepting the difficulties in our world is embracing and accepting our frailty:
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.
—Rumi
But sometimes those guests overstay their welcome and can be difficult to get rid of. And just when you think (or hope) they’re gone for good, they come knocking on your door in the middle of the night.
Yes, for sure, but I think that’s exactly what Rumi is talking about..how to see them..
Just the wisdom I needed to read today! Thank you.
I love this poem. It is so true, yet we hardly ever think of it, at least I don’t. We’re always busy thinking “ahead” to the future. How come? I guess we think it is necessary to keep positive, hope and plan for every little thing. If you actually think about history, the past atrocities, the past pandemics, etc. we are all just visiting, and for a very short time in the grand scheme of things. I am not especially religious, especially of the Persian persuasion in the 1200s, but I looked up Rumi…his philosophy makes a lot of sense. You are broadening my mind, Jon.
Had forgotten this, love it, thanks for reminder.