Quatrain 125 from Rubaiyet of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on life, death, and the human condition.

The Imagery of the Grave: The poet uses vivid imagery of the earth as a carpet and the underground as a place of rest to emphasize the finality of death.
The Desert of Non-Existence: The "desert of non-existence" is a powerful metaphor for the state of being before and after life.
The Universality of Death: The poet emphasizes the universality of death, suggesting that everyone, regardless of their station in life, will eventually face the same fate.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Transience of Life: The poem highlights the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death.
The Equality of All: The image of everyone lying beneath the earth suggests a sense of equality among all people.
The Mystery of Existence: The "desert of non-existence" raises questions about the nature of existence and what lies beyond death.

In essence, this rubai is a contemplation on mortality and the human condition.