Meaning: The quote "I come like Water, and like Wind I go" is a line from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, as translated by the English poet Edward Fitzgerald. The Rubaiyat is a collection of quatrains attributed to the Persian mathematician, astronomer, and poet Omar Khayyam, who lived in the 11th century. Fitzgerald's translation of the Rubaiyat was first published in 1859 and has since become one of the most widely known and frequently quoted works of Persian literature in the English-speaking world.

The quote reflects the transient and ephemeral nature of human existence, drawing a parallel between the speaker's coming and going and the elemental forces of water and wind. Water and wind are both powerful, yet inherently transient forces of nature, and the comparison suggests that the speaker's presence in the world is similarly fleeting.

In the context of the Rubaiyat, this line is part of a larger exploration of themes such as the passage of time, the impermanence of life, and the inevitability of death. The poem as a whole reflects on the human experience, contemplating the mysteries of existence and the complexities of human emotion.

Fitzgerald's translation of the Rubaiyat is celebrated for its lyrical and evocative language, as well as its ability to capture the essence of Khayyam's original Persian verses. The quote "I come like Water, and like Wind I go" is a prime example of the timeless and universal themes that are woven throughout the Rubaiyat, resonating with readers across cultures and generations.

The metaphor of water and wind in the quote also invites contemplation of the cyclical nature of existence. Water and wind are both essential elements that continually circulate through the natural world, perpetually renewing and transforming the landscapes they touch. In likening the speaker's arrival and departure to these elemental forces, the quote suggests a cyclical and interconnected view of life and death, echoing the broader themes of the poem.

Furthermore, the quote may also be interpreted as a meditation on the impermanence of human achievements and the transient nature of worldly pursuits. Just as water and wind cannot be contained or controlled, the quote implies that human endeavors and accomplishments are ultimately fleeting in the grander scheme of existence.

Overall, "I come like Water, and like Wind I go" encapsulates the profound philosophical reflections and timeless wisdom found in the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Through its elegant simplicity and evocative imagery, the quote invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of human life, the passage of time, and the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. In the hands of Edward Fitzgerald, this line becomes a poignant and enduring expression of the human experience, resonating with readers across cultures and generations.