Quatrain 108 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a celebration of life, pleasure, and the power of wine to alleviate suffering.

Wine as a metaphor: The wine in this rubai is not just an alcoholic beverage but a metaphor for life, pleasure, and spiritual enlightenment.
The impermanence of youth: The poet urges the reader to enjoy the pleasures of youth while they last.
Wine as a healer: The wine is described as both burning like fire and building like water, suggesting that it can both consume and create.
Overcoming sorrow: The poem suggests that wine can help to alleviate the pain and suffering of life.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

Carpe diem: The poem emphasizes the importance of living in the moment and seizing the day.
The search for meaning: The poet seems to suggest that wine can be a means of finding meaning and purpose in life.
The duality of existence: The image of wine as both fire and water highlights the duality of human experience, with both pleasure and pain being part of life.

In essence, this rubai is an invitation to embrace life's pleasures and find joy in the face of suffering.