The Guest House
This human being 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 attend 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.
Welcome difficulty.
Learn the alchemy True Human
Beings know;
the moment you accept what troubles
you've been given, the door opens
Welcome difficulty as a familiar
comrade. Joke with torment
brought by the Friend.
Sorrows are the rags of cold clothes
and jackets that serve to cover,
and then are taken off.
That undressing,
and the beautiful
naked body underneath
is the sweetness
that comes after grief.
