Quatrain 150 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam is a profound meditation on the transience of life and the futility of human endeavors.

The Futility of Existence: The poet questions the purpose of life, suggesting that our coming into and departing from the world is ultimately meaningless.
The Fragility of Life: The "warp and weft" metaphor highlights the delicate and temporary nature of human existence.
The Inevitability of Death: The image of beautiful people being consumed by fire and turned to ash underscores the universal fate of mortality.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Cycle of Life and Death: The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of existence, with birth, life, and death being an endless cycle.
The Vanity of Human Striving: The poet suggests that all human achievements are ultimately insignificant in the face of death.
A Call for Mindfulness: The poem encourages readers to appreciate the present moment and to live life to the fullest.

In essence, this rubai is a sobering reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of living a meaningful existence.