Quatrain 8 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

A more poetic and interpretive translation

The sky wept tears upon the verdant plain,
A life without wine feels like such pain.

This grassy field, our pleasure ground today,
When will our bodies turn to grass and clay?

A contemporary and informal translation

The clouds cried over the grass so green,
Life without wine just doesn’t mean a thing.

This field, our playground, won’t last for long,
When will we be just grass, where we belong?

"ابر آمد و باز بر سر سبزه گریست": This line paints a vivid image of rain falling on the grass, symbolizing the cycle of life and death.

"بی بادهٔ گلرنگ نمی‌باید زیست": Here, "wine of rose-color" is a metaphor for life's pleasures and enjoyment. The poet suggests that life without pleasure is not worth living.

"این سبزه که امروز تماشاگه ماست": This line emphasizes the temporary nature of life and beauty.

"تا سبزهٔ خاک ما تماشاگه کیست": This final line poses a poignant question about the ultimate fate of humans, comparing them to the grass that withers and dies.

Themes and Interpretations

Carpe Diem: The poem encourages readers to seize the day and enjoy life's pleasures.
The transience of life: The image of the withering grass is a powerful metaphor for the impermanence of human existence.
The importance of pleasure: The poet suggests that enjoying life's pleasures is a fundamental part of the human experience.
The cycle of nature: The poem aligns human life with the natural world, emphasizing the cycle of birth, growth, and decay.

This rubai is a beautiful and timeless exploration of the human condition. It invites us to reflect on our place in the universe and to appreciate the beauty and fragility of life.