Performed by  Jennifer Panara and Kevin Korth at "An Evening of Sahba Aminikia's Music"

April 24th, 2011

San Francisco Conservatory of Music Concert Hall

www.jenniferpanara.com

Based on the poetry by: Omar Khayyam

 

 

 

 

Text:

I must abjure the Balm of Life, I must,

Scared by some After-reckoning ta'en on trust,

Or lured with Hope of some Diviner Drink,

When the frail Cup is crumbled into Dust!

 

If but the Vine and Love-abjuring Band

Are in the Prophet's Paradise to stand,

Alack, I doubt the Prophet's Paradise

Were empty as the hollow of one's Hand.

 

Oh, threats of Hell and Hopes of Paradise!

One thing at least is certain-This Life flies;

One thing is certain and the rest is Lies;

The Flower that once is blown for ever dies.