Quatrain 38 from Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
عمریست مرا تیره و کاریست نه راست
محنت همه افزوده و راحت کم و کاست
شکر ایزد را که آنچه اسباب بلاست
ما را ز کس دگر نمیباید خواست
Description:
A Note on this Rubai
This rubai is a reflection on the hardships and difficulties of life. Khayyam, in his characteristically philosophical tone, expresses gratitude for the trials he has faced, suggesting that they are a natural part of the human experience.
English Translation
A more literal translation
For a lifetime, my life has been dark and my deeds have not been right,
My troubles have increased and my comfort has decreased,
Thanks be to God for all the causes of my affliction,
We need not ask for them from anyone else.
A more poetic and interpretive translation
My life's been shadowed, full of toil and strife,
My comfort's dwindled, shortened is my life.
Yet I give thanks, for all my pain and woe,
For these from God alone I'm meant to know.
A contemporary and informal translation
My life's been tough, I've made a lot of mistakes,
And things keep getting worse, for goodness' sake.
But hey, I'm grateful for all the pain and stress,
Because it's all part of life's big mess.
"عمریست مرا تیره و کاریست نه راست": This line expresses a sense of regret or disappointment with one's life.
"محنت همه افزوده و راحت کم و کاست": This line highlights the increasing difficulties and decreasing comfort in life.
"شکر ایزد را که آنچه اسباب بلاست": This line expresses gratitude for the trials and tribulations one faces.
"ما را ز کس دگر نمیباید خواست": This line suggests that one should not blame others for their hardships.
Themes and Interpretations
Acceptance of fate: The poem expresses a sense of resignation to one's fate.
Gratitude for adversity: Khayyam suggests that even in difficult times, there is something to be grateful for.
Personal responsibility: The poet implies that one should take responsibility for their own life and circumstances.
This rubai is a profound reflection on the human condition. By acknowledging the difficulties of life and expressing gratitude for them, Khayyam offers a unique perspective on suffering and adversity.