Quatrain 139 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam presents a pessimistic view of human existence.

The Pain of Life: The first two lines emphasize the suffering and sorrow inherent in human life.
The Desire for Escape: The third line suggests that those who die young are fortunate, as they avoid the pains and sorrows of old age.
The Bliss of Nonexistence: The fourth line implies that those who are never born are truly fortunate, as they escape the suffering of existence altogether.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Futility of Human Life: The poem suggests that human life is ultimately meaningless and full of suffering.
The Desire for Escape: The desire for escape from the world is a common theme in many philosophical and religious traditions.
The Fear of Death: The fear of death is a universal human experience, and this poem suggests that death may be a release from suffering.

In essence, this rubai is a meditation on the human condition and the inevitability of death.