Quatrain 104 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam offers a profound meditation on the nature of life, death, and the afterlife.

The inevitability of death: The first two lines emphasize the universal nature of death, as all living beings eventually return to dust.
The metaphor of wine: The image of wine is used as a metaphor for life and the oblivion that death brings.
The Day of Judgment: The reference to the Day of Judgment suggests a belief in an afterlife, although the poet's tone is more existential than religious.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The transience of life: The poem highlights the fleeting nature of human existence.
The search for meaning: The poet seems to question the meaning of life in the face of death.
The allure of oblivion: The image of wine suggests a desire for escape from the pains and sorrows of life.

In essence, this rubai is a contemplation on the human condition and the ultimate fate of all living beings.