The Snowflakes Sail Gently Down

Poetry | Gabriel Okara

Oil Palm Trees

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Oil Palm Trees

In Gabriel Okara’s poem “Snowflakes Sail Gently Down,” the oil palm trees appear in the poet’s dream and carry deep symbolic meaning. The poet writes, “I dreamed of birds, black birds flying in my inside, nesting and hatching on oil palms bearing suns for fruits.” These trees represent fertility, strength, and the power of new life growing from nature.

Symbol Of Fertility And Growth: The oil palm trees are full of life and energy. They produce fruits that shine like suns, which shows the richness of nature. Through this image, Okara presents nature as a giver of life. The trees stand for the natural power that continues to grow, even when the world outside seems silent or cold.

Connection With Creation And Light: The poet dreams of the trees “bearing suns

for fruits.” This means that they hold light and energy like the sun itself. The oil palms become a source of creation and renewal. They turn darkness into brightness.

Link Between Man And Nature: The oil palm trees grow deep roots in the earth. The poet dreams that these roots stop the “uprooter’s spades,”. It means they protect life from destruction. This shows how strong nature is and how it resists human greed. The trees remind us that humans and nature share the same origin and depend on each other.

Gift Of Spiritual Strength: When the oil palms give each person a “sun,” they offer light and wisdom. The poet shows that nature gives not only food or shelter but also spiritual power. The trees become symbols of inner growth and divine energy.

In the poem, the oil palm trees symbolize creation, fertility, and the spirit of nature. They hold the power of life and light. Through them, Gabriel Okara shows that nature always renews itself and gives hope, strength, and wisdom to humankind.

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