FEBRUARY FRAGRANCE: DAY 13, WILLIAMSJI MAVELI WRITES, BODY IS A GUEST HOUSE

Body is a guest house.

Every dawn a new arrival

A joy, a depression, malice,

Some momentary awareness

Like an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and amuse them all

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

Who violently sweep up your house

Empty of its furniture,

Still treat each guest honorably.

She 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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BY

WILLIAMSJI MAVELI

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