The Guesthouse

End of the term..A time when things get rough for us undergrads....Reading this poem is always refreshing in such circumstances:

The Guesthouse

Mevlânâ Jelal-uddin Rumi

This being human is a guesthouse
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.