A little poem from Rumi

A friend sent The Vampire’s Wife this beautiful poem by the Persian poet Rumi and I thought I’d pass it on. On the same day I found these pictures of Persian traditional dress in a book on the history of costume. So many beautiful things!

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 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.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī, 1207 - 1273