The 13th-century poet Rumi lived more than 800 years ago, yet his words feel as alive and necessary today as they must have then. That’s the wonder of great poetry—it speaks across centuries, cultures, and experiences, straight to the heart.

For me, The Guest House is one of those timeless gifts. In it, Rumi reminds me to welcome every emotion, even the difficult ones, as visitors with something to teach me. His poetry makes me pause, breathe, and remember that joy and sorrow, ease and struggle, all belong to the human story.

I share this poem with you as part of Poetry Corner because it continues to move me, and I believe its wisdom is just as relevant now as it was in Rumi’s time.

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The Guest House

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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.

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written by: Jalāl ad-Din Muhammad Rūmi , translated by Coleman Barks

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