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.
– Jelaluddin Rumi,
Translation from The Essential Rumi by Coleman Barks
The Heart of Awakening 
I’ve always loved that poem. You learn something new every time that you read it.
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I really do like this poem, and yet, for years now, my daily greeting, of overwhelming sadness is taking it’s toll. I long for the day that joy comes to my door, even if it’s not until death. I long for the day that I fit in somewhere. Until then, I am use to being alone, to the sadness, and realize that this is my apparent lot in life. At my age, I’ve learned to stop questioning why,,,because it just is. It just is. …. thank you.
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