Awake
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you
don’t go back to sleep
you must ask for what you really want.
Don’t go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth between
the door sill where the worlds touch
the door is round and open
don’t go back to sleep.
-Rumi
stay together, friends
don’t scatter and sleep
our friendship is made of being awake.
-Rumi
Guest House
This being human is a guest house
every morning a new arrival
a joy, a depression.
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
s/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.