Peaceful Scene of Falling Snow: Gabriel Okara describes a quiet and peaceful scene of snowfall. The snowflakes come down slowly from the misty sky. They are so light that they make no sound when they fall, as if nature has stopped breathing. The snow falls on the tired elm trees of winter and covers them with a soft white layer. The bare branches bend slowly under the light snow. The poet compares these bending branches to sad people bowing their heads in grief. He calls the snow a “white funeral cloth” because it covers the earth like something peaceful and still, like death.

Spiritual Rest in Nature’s Silence: Then the poet feels sleepy in this calm and silent place. The soft, cold air and the gentle warmth from the heater make him feel quiet inside. His eyes close with the soft touch of falling water. This sleep is not only rest for his body but also peace for his soul. In this moment, the poet feels free from all noise and united with nature.

Rebirth in Dream: In his dream, the poet sees black birds flying inside him. They build nests, lay eggs, and hatch them. These birds stand for new thoughts, imagination, and creativity. They build nests on oil palm trees that bear suns as fruits. The bright suns mean life, light, and new beginnings.

Man’s Return to Nature: Then the poet sees some people who try to cut down trees. He calls them “uprooters.” They soon become tired and sit down near the roots of the trees. This shows that people may destroy nature, but they always return to it in the end, because nature gives them peace and life.

Human Greed and Confusion: The trees give each person a sun, but the suns do not shine like gold. The people look unhappy because the light they get is not bright like gold. This means that human greed and material things cannot bring true happiness. The poet says that real light comes from peace and connection with nature, not from money or power.

Silent Prayer of Nature: Finally, the poet wakes up. The snow is still falling softly. The elm trees bend and move gently in the cold wind. He compares the trees to white-robed Muslims praying in the evening. This shows that nature is full of quiet prayer and respect for God.

The earth looks silent and full of mystery, like the face of a god in a holy place. The poet feels spiritual peace. He understands that nature is not only beautiful but also sacred and divine. The snow stands for purity, the silence stands for prayer, and nature itself stands for God’s eternal presence.