The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam

In this episode I show you an exquisite little copy of the famous Rubaiyat of Omar Khayam and also share the first of some new ‘Quarantine Quatrains’ inspired by the metre and the spirit of that great poem. Here's the text of my first instalment of 'Quarantine Quatrains', read to you in this video from my manuscript book:
Quarantine Quatrains: a new Rubaiyat

Awake to what was once a busy day
When you would rush and hurry on your way
Snatch at your breakfast, start the grim commute
But time and tide have turned another way

For now, like you, the day is yawning wide
And all its old events are set aside
It opens gently for you, takes its time
And holds for you -whatever you decide.

This morning’s light is brighter than it seems
Your room is raftered with its golden beams
The bowl of night was richly filled with sleep
And dawn’s left hand is holding all your dreams

Your mantle clock still sounds its silver chime
The empty page invites an idle rhyme
This quarantine has taken many things
But left you with the precious gift of time

Your time is all your own - yet not your own
The rose may open, or be overblown
So breathe in this day’s fragrance whilst you may
To each of us the date of death’s unknown.

Then settle at your desk, uncap your pen
And open the old manuscript again
The empty hours may tease you out of thought
Yet leave you with a poem now and then.