The Zebras by Roy Campbell

In ‘The Zebras,’ Roy Campbell describes the beauty of nature and celebration of life. He re-creates the magic of nature and creation through this poem. He uses imagery in abundance to enhance this theme. The poem is a visual treat of scenic beauty to the readers and also appeals to the auditory senses. He presents a portrait of luxuriant foliage of the woods in which a herd of zebras are running joyously. The whole atmosphere is shaded by the canopy or the foliage of the trees and so the sun’s rays are seen creeping in wherever there is a gap in the foliage. The whole forest atmosphere smells of moistened soil, the forest having received some showers on the previous night. When the golden rays of the sun fall on the flanks of the zebras, the golden rays are reflected on the white stripes of the zebras and one happens to believe as if they are passing through electric tremors. Then the poet says the movement of the zebras across this plain looks as if these zebras are drawing the dawn along with them.

The Zebras are seen wading through knee deep grass and scarlet red flowers. It also appears as though the sun’s rays are fusing with the land and as the zebra passes by it looks as though it alternates through the shadows of these rays. “Barred with electric tremors through the grass” refers to the light and shade effect and also the enthusiasm and vibrancy of the movement of the Zebras. The poet uses a simile and describes this as “wind along the golden strings of a lyre.” Thus Zebras are running their feet kicks up a lot of dust and their warm breath and the sun rays create a vision of flames of fire lifting above the ground. A stallion in the herd with dove-like voices calls the fillies. The herd of zebras looks like an engine of beauty charged with joy and delight. The stallion then runs along with the mares to roll on trampled lilies. The whole poem appeals to all the senses and presents a vibrant picture of nature.