Quatrain 24 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
چون ابر به نوروز رخ لاله بشستبرخیز و به جام باده کن عزم درست
کاین سبزه که امروز تماشاگه توستفردا همه از خاک تو برخواهد رست
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
This rubai from Omar Khayyam is a beautiful celebration of spring and a meditation on the cycle of life and death. It uses the imagery of nature to convey deep philosophical ideas.
English Translation
A more literal translation
As the cloud washes the face of the tulip in spring,
Arise and with a cup of wine, make a firm resolve.
For this greenery that you gaze upon today,
Tomorrow will all rise from your dust.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
When spring's sweet rain revives the tulip's face,
Rise up, and fill your cup, embrace life's grace.
The verdant fields you see, so fresh and fair,
Will one day bloom above your earthly lair.
A contemporary and informal translation
Spring's here, the flowers bloom, a lovely sight,
So grab a drink and celebrate the light.
This grass you see, so green and bright,
Will grow from you, when you're out of sight.
"چون ابر به نوروز رخ لاله بشست": This line describes the refreshing spring rain that brings new life to the tulips.
"برخیز و به جام باده کن عزم درست": This line encourages the reader to seize the moment and enjoy life.
"کاین سبزه که امروز تماشاگه توست": This line refers to the beautiful greenery of spring.
"فردا همه از خاک تو برخواهد رست": This line is a reminder of mortality and the cycle of life and death.
Themes and Interpretations
The cycle of life and death: The poem highlights the cyclical nature of life, from birth to death and rebirth.
The importance of living in the present moment: The poet encourages the reader to seize the day and enjoy the beauty of life.
The interconnectedness of all things: The idea that the grass will grow from the speaker's dust suggests a deep connection between humans and the natural world.
This rubai is a beautiful and timeless meditation on the human condition. It reminds us to appreciate the beauty of life and to find joy in the present moment.