One of the nicest delights of #NPM17 & #wonderbreak is that despite trepidation over going public as a poet on social media....some really wonderful people shared poetry back with me. This came at just the right time. How did my friend, Gladys, know that I needed it the very moment after she sent it to me?
Join Jama Rattigan for some homecooked Poetry Friday goodness on the Poetry Friday Round-Up at Jama's Alphabet Soup. Thank you, Jama!
Join Jama Rattigan for some homecooked Poetry Friday goodness on the Poetry Friday Round-Up at Jama's Alphabet Soup. Thank you, Jama!
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are 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.
Even if they are 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.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
— Jellaludin Rumi,
translation by Coleman Barks
translation by Coleman Barks
Interesting thoughts... I do believe meeting "them at the door laughing" is a key. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, Linda. Hello!
ReplyDeleteI want to wrap my protective arms around you, if this is what's going on in your world.
At the same time, I read this sorrow as everyday garden variety of problems that we have the agency of strength to shrug off & convert from lemons to lemonade.
(Can you tell I have emotionally and physically hurting children, women in shelters, on my mind? )
I think we're both seeking comfort in poetry this week. May we all find the words we need to help us be grateful for whatever comes.
ReplyDeleteHello, Linda--I want to congratulate you on your mammoth achievement in April! Every day I saw your Twitter announcement--another new poem--and just didn't have bandwidth to more than "like" your efforts. You really took risks and knocked quite a few of them out of the park!
ReplyDeleteI hope the feelings you're feeling are just a little letdown from the intensity of April, and that Gladys and Rumi and all of us can prop you up. Hop on!
I'm new to "publishing" my writing, Linda. I was terrified at first, but the SOL and PF communities have been so supportive. "Be grateful for whatever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond" struck a chord with me, as I'm trying to be more consciously mindful of all there is to be greatful for. Wishing you the best, Christie @ https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteI love this, Linda, to welcome them all, then to do our best with each visitor? Thank you, and have a great day!
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite Rumi poems. Much to contemplate about taking the long view, learning from every experience.
ReplyDeleteSuch wise words. Now if I can just practice them and truly welcome what comes each day and learn from it.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe in the power of "just in time" poetry, like this gift from a friend. So much truth in this poem, Linda. I especially like
ReplyDelete"...treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight."
Linda, this is thoughtful indeed. The last stanza is very comforting. I do hope that you are doing well, my friend. I am very grateful that I have your words and poem offerings to guide me each week.
ReplyDeleteLinda, you did it with pizzazz. How wonderful that you poet's pen was so busy this past month. You packaged a few spring poems and sent them my way for the gallery and I am grateful. Daffodils and Blue Bells will make a wonderful visual stop on the gallery walk. Of course, you may have another to add. Stay well and keep the writing going.
ReplyDeleteLove this poem by Rumi. It pairs well with the one Jama shared today!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a successful NPM!!
I really like this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is such a challenge to meet those dark thoughts and "invite them in." Thank you for sharing this wise poem, Linda. And congratulations on writing a poem every day in April! What an accomplishment!
ReplyDelete