Quatrain 133 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
هر یک چندی یکی برآید که منمبا نعمت و با سیم و زر آید که منم
چون کارک او نظام گیرد روزیناگه اجل از کمین برآید که منم
Description:
A Beautiful Rubai by Omar Khayyam
English Translation:
Every so often, someone rises saying, "It is I!"
With wealth, silver, and gold, they claim, "It is I!"
But when their affairs are finally in order,
Suddenly, death emerges from its hiding place saying, "It is I!"
Analysis of the Rubai
This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on the transience of human life and the inevitability of death.
The Illusion of Permanence: The first two lines highlight the human tendency to believe in our own permanence and importance.
The Suddenness of Death: The third and fourth lines underscore the unexpected nature of death, which can strike even when life seems to be at its peak.
Deeper Meanings and Interpretations
The Vanity of Human Striving: The poem suggests that all human achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
The Unpredictability of Life: The sudden arrival of death highlights the unpredictability of life and the folly of placing too much emphasis on material possessions.
The Unity of All Things: The repeated phrase "It is I" suggests a sense of cosmic unity, where all beings are subject to the same fate.
In essence, this rubai is a reminder of our mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life.