The Snowflakes Sail Gently Down

Poetry | Gabriel Okara

Snowflakes Sail Gently Down Themes

Nature and Peace: The poem opens with the image of snow falling “gently down from the misty eye of the sky.” This shows nature’s calm beauty and quiet peace. The snow covers the elm trees and the earth in a soft, white stillness. Nature gives rest and healing through its silence. Even in winter, when life seems asleep, nature holds purity and renewal. Okara presents nature as alive and feeling. The snow’s gentle fall connects the poet’s heart with the peaceful rhythm of the natural world.

Life, Death, and Renewal: The poet writes, “White funeral cloth is slowly unrolled over deathless earth.” This line connects death with peace and purity, not fear. The snow covers the world like a burial cloth. Life continues quietly beneath the surface. Okara shows that death is only a pause in the cycle of life. The poem teaches that every ending holds the promise of a new beginning. Through this image, the poet celebrates the eternal circle of life, death, and renewal in nature.

Man and Nature Relationship: The poem shows a strong link between humans and nature. The poet dreams of black birds, oil palms, and deep roots. These images show that both man and nature are part of one life. When the “uprooters” cut the trees, they later lean on the same roots. It means that human beings cannot live apart from nature. The snow, trees, and earth all act like living beings that feel and pray. Okara shows that nature shares human feelings and teaches peace, patience, and harmony.

Spiritual Awakening: At the end of the poem, the poet sees “bent-backed elms bowing… like white-robed Moslems salaaming at evening prayer.” This image gives the poem a spiritual tone. Nature looks like a worshipper bowing in prayer. The poet understands that true peace is not in wealth but in harmony with nature. His dream and awakening become a spiritual journey. Okara shows that nature is divine. And man can feel God’s presence through the quiet and beauty of the earth.

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Gabriel Okara
Literary Writer