Rumi clarified

 

Discharge the surly tenant
who has lingered too long
in the room previously
occupied by happiness.

A guest house is not
an asylum, indefinite
lodging for your
secret insanities.

It is not
a brothel, perpetual
indulgence of your
basest impulses.

It is not assisted living,
nor long-term care for
your crippling inability.

A guest house is an Airbnb.
A feather bed;
a quick breakfast.

So welcome each visitor;
entertain them all.
For a time.

Then evict those unworthy
of your hospitality.

Make room for
some magnificent stranger,
for the beautiful friend
you’d almost forgotten.

 

 

 

Tags: creative writing, guest house, lodging, poem, poetry, Rumi, spirituality