Quatrain 151 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

Analysis of the Rubai

This quatrain by Omar Khayyam offers a sobering meditation on the inevitability of death and the transience of human existence.

The Departure of the Soul: The poem begins by acknowledging the departure of the soul from the body, a universal human experience.
The Grave: The image of two bricks placed over a grave emphasizes the finality of death and the simplicity of our burial.
The Cycle of Life and Death: The idea of our bodies being used to create bricks for other people's graves highlights the cyclical nature of life and death.

Deeper Meanings and Interpretations

The Futility of Human Endeavors: The poem suggests that all human achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of death.
The Equality of All Humans: The idea of our bodies being used for the same purpose as everyone else emphasizes the equality of all people in 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 reflection on the impermanence of human life and the futility of striving for earthly power.