Omar Khayyam poems about death

These poems by Omar Khayyam reflect on the inevitability of death and encourage embracing it as a natural part of life. They convey messages of acceptance, remembrance, and the importance of living fully in the face of mortality.


"When death's embrace shall close upon my soul,
Let not my passing be marked with sorrow's toll.
Instead, remember me with laughter and cheer,
For in memories, my essence shall forever dwell."

Analysis: This poem suggests that when the speaker passes away, they don't want their loved ones to mourn, but instead to remember them with joy and happiness. Memories filled with laughter and cheer will keep the essence of the departed alive.


"Death, the eternal slumber that awaits us all,
A solemn reminder of life's transient thrall.
Embrace its inevitability without fear,
For in death's embrace, true liberation is near."

Analysis: The poem portrays death as a natural part of life, reminding us of the temporary nature of our existence. It encourages us to face death without fear, as it brings true liberation from worldly concerns.


"Do not mourn my departure when I am gone,
For death is but a transition to carry on.
Rejoice in the legacy that I leave behind,
And let my spirit in your hearts forever find."

Analysis: The poem expresses the desire for a celebration of life rather than mourning after the speaker's passing. They want to be remembered with joy, and they believe their spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who cherish their memory.


"Death's cold touch may extinguish the flame,
But the imprint of my existence shall remain.
In the hearts of those who remember and cherish,
My essence shall endure, never to perish."

Analysis: While acknowledging that death may extinguish the physical presence, the poem emphasizes that the impact of the speaker's life will endure. The memories and influence they leave behind will keep their essence alive, even after they have passed.


"In the face of death, let us not despair,
For it is the destiny that we all must bear.
Live each moment fully, with love and delight,
For death's arrival is but a natural rite."

Analysis: The poem advises not to despair in the face of death, as it is an inevitable part of the human experience. It encourages embracing each moment with love and delight, recognizing that death is a natural passage that should remind us to live fully.


"Death's shadow looms, a reminder to seize the day,
To cherish the moments before they slip away.
Embrace mortality's call with courage and grace,
And leave a mark upon the world's eternal space."

Analysis: This poem encourages embracing the reality of mortality and the limited time we have. It emphasizes the importance of seizing the day and making a meaningful impact on the world. It suggests that by accepting the inevitability of death, we can live with courage and leave a lasting legacy.

Omar Khayyam Quatrains in Persian and English translation

This caravan of life passes in a wondrous way,
Seize the moment that passes with delight.
O sorrowful cupbearer, why do you drink the wine of tomorrow?
Bring forth the goblet, for the night is passing...

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam by Edward FitzGerald

AWAKE! For Morning in the Bowl of Night
Has flung the Stone that puts the Stars to Flight:
And lo! the Hunter of the East has caught
The Sultan's Turret in a Noose of Light....

Best Omar Khayyam's poems in English

This caravan of life passes in a wondrous way,
Seize the moment that passes with delight.
O sorrowful cupbearer, why do you drink the wine of tomorrow?
Bring forth the goblet, for the night is passing ...