Poetry by Rumi

Rumi has played a very significant role in my life for quite some time now. I just wanted to share a couple of his poems, as they most definitely speak to this moment in my life.

These poems were found at this website, but you can also find them in Rumi's books.

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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.

(What Rumi DOESN'T mention here is that if you don't let these things in, they decide to bang and bang and bang on your door and just wreak total havoc. Also, well, sometimes they can become freeloaders and ask for more and more tea. That's when you gotta kick 'em out)

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NOT HERE

There's courage involved if you want
to become truth. There is a broken-

open place in a lover. Where are
those qualities of bravery and sharp

compassion in this group? What's the
use of old and frozen thought? I want

a howling hurt. This is not a treasury
where gold is stored; this is for copper.

We alchemists look for talent that
can heat up and change. Lukewarm

won't do. Halfhearted holding back,
well-enough getting by? Not here.

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(...and for all you sweethearts out there, this beautiful gem):

When I am with you, we stay up all night,
When you're not here, I can't get to sleep.
Praise God for these two insomnias!
And the difference between them.