Poetry Explication of "Bushed" by Term Paper

For example, in the third stanza, he describes the dawn as " yellows bright as wood -columbine (8)

The metaphor used in the following line also attests to the beauty and mystery of nature

or was only a fuzzed moth in a flannel storm (9)

Note as well the use of alliteration in the above line, which adds to the harmony and depth of the metaphor. In his search for meaning through the encounter with nature the protagonist encounters a mysterious of communication between things in the wilds.

But he found the mountain was clearly alive (10)

This aliveness and energy in nature is emphasized by words like "whizzing" and "booming," which communicates the intensity and the activity that is alive in nature. His vision of nature increases and includes mythological connotations; for example, the comparison of ospreys with Valkyries in line 16. Valkyries means "Choosers of the Slain" in Norse legend and also has a part to play in the overall theme of the poem. The mystery of the natural landscape is also emphasized in powerful images and metaphors, such as the image of the moon in line 20.

But the moon carved unknown totems

The above line suggests mysterious connections with ritual and myth though the use of the word 'totems'.

While this may seem to suggest that the central figure in the poem is 'bushed" or is becoming mentally unstable, yet another interpretation is rather that his experiential awareness of nature is being increased.

The following lines suggest a sense of foreboding and danger as the natural forces of nature appear to be antagonistic towards the human presence. This is beautifully suggested by the following metaphor.

A shaping its peak to an arrowhwead

Poised (26/7)

The protagonist waits for the "final flint" that will enter his heart. It is not clear here what this refers to. One interpretation is that the final 'flint' may refer to death. This would also relate to the image of the Valkyries. Another interpretation is that the final flint refers to inner knowledge that will change his understanding of his own human nature. However the central theme of the poem is clearly followed and established throughout. This theme refers to the human encounter with nature and the intense mystery of the relationship between man and nature, which many people in the urban world are not aware of.

Bibliography

Geddes,…