Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Rubaiyat Readings


Dulac

ABC WEDNESDAY

Letter "R".

RUBAIYAT READINGS

THE ORIGINAL

For some we loved, the loveliest and the best
That from his Vintage rolling Time hath prest,
Have drunk their Cup a Round or two before,
And one by one crept silently to rest.
*
And we, that now make merry in the Room
They left, and Summer dresses in new bloom
Ourselves must we beneath the Couch of Earth
Descend--ourselves to make a Couch--for whom?
*
Ah, make the most of what we yet may spend,
Before we too into the Dust descend;
Dust into Dust, and under Dust to lie
Sans Wine, sans Song, sans Singer, and--sans End!
*
Alike for those who for To-day prepare,
And those that after some To-morrow stare,
A Muezzin from the Tower of Darkness cries
"Fools! Your Reward is neither Here nor There.
*
And when like her, oh, Saki, you shall pass
Among the Guests Star-scatter'd on the Grass,

And in your joyous errand reach the spot

Where I made One--turn down an empty Glass!"

Omar Khayyám from His Rubáiyát

The Comment

So Omar wrote! So were his words translated!
Some of the loveliest words, I think, created.
Maybe depressing, in a mournful way,
And yet with sweet emotions permeated.
*
When I was young 'The Rubaiyat', I said,
Answered the questions streaming through my head.
In other tomes I read of life immortal,
But this work showed me where my living led.
*
My copy is now threadbare, old and worn;
I see some pages are becoming torn,
But still that tiny book reveals to me
That we are dying from the day we're born.
*
'Nothingness'.....What a very soothing thought;
So much more hopeful than the other sort.
'Life everlasting' hasn't the appeal,
When I'm considering the last resort.
*
Omar Khayyam has given me the key
To cope with what most certainly will be.
So long as someone's 'turning down a glass'
I'll raise one to no longer being me.
Brenda Bryant from Her Blog!
*
A more lighthearted look at the Grim Reaper here:

13 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Omar Khayyam is special favorite of mine. Beautiful post for the R day!

Enjoy!

Sylvia

photowannabe said...

Your post reminds me that I must dig out the Rubaiyat book my folks had and now has found its way into my hands. Still haven't found all my treasures since moving.

Carol said...

Omar's poem is somewhat grim while at the same time captivating. But I think I prefer your 'Mumorium'; I like to smile through my tears....

Janie said...

I haven't read the Rubaiyat in many years, but you've renewed my interest. I'll find it on the shelf and read it again.

Joy said...

I treasure a lovely illustrated version I was given as a present a very long time ago. Love the Fitzgerald translation and your response.

Hildred said...

There are parts of the Rubaiyat that offer a very realistic philosophy, and the book is one of my favourites.

A lovely post.

moongipsies said...

beautiful

Jay said...

Lovely! But I prefer your version, too!

Rose said...

Omar certainly had some pearls of wisdom here: "Ah, make the most of what we may yet spend/Before we too into the Dust descend..." Enjoyed your version, too; life is short--enjoy!

Roger Owen Green said...

I own a CD called Rubaiyat, an album of Elektra Records cover versions of other Elektra artists. I never knew why that particular title...

Tumblewords: said...

Your re-write is most appealing! I'm fond of the Rubaiyat, too, and realize I've not read it for far too long. Great poem! And yes, rest does sound not so bad.

Q said...

You have inspired me too.
Very nice R post.
Sherry

Anonymous said...

Though i have read quotes, i havent read the translation. Thank You for sharing. Your version was beautiful too...