How long, how long, in infinite pursuit
Of this and that endeavor and dispute?

From the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam
a recurring theme that life is brief
never let autumn leaves pass in grief
merriment is precious,  love and beauty
bears repeating, is here in fleeting moments
they exist for us to appreciate, to live is your duty
it is never clever to be weighed down with woes
ask one who knows, go for rainbows as they rose

Better be merry with the fruitful grape
Than sadden after none, or bitter fruit.