The Snowflakes Sail Gently Down

Poetry | Gabriel Okara

Discuss the theme of life, death, and renewal in “Snowflakes Sail Gently Down.” 

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 Discuss the theme of life, death, and renewal in “Snowflakes Sail Gently Down.” 

Or Discuss the contrast between life and death in “Snowflakes Sail Gently Down.” ✪✪✪  

Gabriel Okara (1921-2019) shows the deep link between life, death, and renewal in his poem “Snowflakes Sail Gently Down” (1959). The poem begins with peace and ends with silence. The poet sees life and death as parts of one circle. The snow, birds, and trees together show rest, rebirth, and faith. Through calm and gentle images, Okara teaches that nothing truly ends in nature.

Image of Life: The poet dreams of life inside himself. He writes, 

“I dreamed of birds, black birds flying in my inside.” 

The birds are symbols of hope and creation. They bring energy and new life to the silent world. The “oil palms bearing suns for fruits” also show fertility and strength
. Nature becomes a living force that always grows again.

Symbol of Death: Death is shown as soft and peaceful. The poet writes, “White funeral cloth is slowly unrolled over deathless earth.” The snow covers the land like a burial cloth, giving peace and rest. Death does not destroy the world. It brings stillness and renewal. The “winter-weary elms” bend under snow. It shows acceptance and quiet strength.

Renewal After Death: After death, new life comes again. The snow hides the ground but keeps life safe. The poet dreams of “oil palms bearing suns for fruits.” The bright suns stand for rebirth and creation. Life continues under the snow’s white silence. Nature’s rhythm shows that death is only a short sleep before new life begins.

Contrast Between Life and Death: Okara joins both ideas in one image. The poet writes, 

“The earth lying inscrutable like the face of a god in a shrine.” 

The snow’s silence shows death, but the earth’s life stays hidden below. Life and death are not enemies. They balance each other. Nature holds both peace and power together.

Spiritual Peace: The poet finds faith in nature’s calm rhythm. Snow falls silently, and the trees bow like “white-robed Moslems salaaming at evening prayer.” This shows worship and surrender. Life and death become one prayer to God. The poet learns that peace and holiness live in nature’s quiet beauty and endless renewal.

Okara’s poem joins life, death, and renewal in a round. Snow, birds, and trees all show the calm flow of nature. Death becomes peace, and peace gives birth to life again. The poet teaches that nothing truly dies. Through nature’s silence and faith, he finds hope, harmony, and the promise of eternal renewal.

 

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