Quatrain 123 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
برخیز ز خواب تا شرابی بخوریمزان پیش که از زمانه تابی بخوریم
کاین چرخ ستیزهروی ناگه روزیچندان ندهد زمان که آبی بخوریم
Description:
A Beautiful Rubai by Omar Khayyam
English Translation:
Arise from sleep, let's drink wine, my friend,
Before time's harshness brings us to our end.
For this contentious wheel of fortune may,
Suddenly deny us even time to drink water.
Analysis of the Rubai
This quatrain by Omar Khayyam encapsulates the carpe diem theme, the idea of seizing the day. Here's a breakdown:
The Call to Action: The poet urges his companion to wake up and enjoy life's pleasures, specifically wine.
The Impending Doom: The second line hints at the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.
The Unpredictability of Fate: The third and fourth lines underscore the capriciousness of fate, suggesting that life can change dramatically in an instant.
Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
The Fragility of Life: The poem emphasizes the fragility of human life and the importance of cherishing each moment.
The Inevitability of Death: The theme of death is a recurring one in Khayyam's poetry, and this rubai is no exception.
The Importance of Enjoying Life: Khayyam encourages his readers to find joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as drinking wine and enjoying companionship.
In essence, this rubai is a reminder to savor life's moments and not to take them for granted.