The Guest House.

Marc Shagall and his family photographed by André Kertész, 1960

The Guest House

by RUMI, 13th-centure Persian poet

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’re 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 whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

Rue de Vaugirard, Paris, photographed by André Kertész, 1931

Chez Mondrian, Paris, photographed by André Kertész, 1929

Self-portrait, New York, photographed by André Kertész, 1974

Third Avenue, New York, photographed by André Kertész, 1937

Sculptor Ossip Zadkine in Paris, photographed by André Kertész, 1926

Colette in Paris, photographed by André Kertész, 1930

Celliers, Budafok, Hungary, photographed by André Kertész, 1919

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