The poem also seems to suggest a deeper sense of existential weariness and the search for meaning and connection in life, with references to "the rootless self" and "the endless road."
Here is a more detailed analysis of the poem:
Stanza 1:
The speaker describes their arrival home after a long journey and the feeling of exhaustion that comes with it. They are so tired that they can barely lift their feet, and their mind feels disconnected and "bushed."
Stanza 2:
The speaker reflects on the journey they have taken and the places they have seen. They recognize that the journey has changed them, but they are not sure in what way. The use of the word "unfamiliar" suggests a sense of alienation from their surroundings and from themselves.
Stanza 3:
The speaker yearns for a sense of home and rootedness, but they feel disconnected and "rootless" instead. They are unable to find comfort in their surroundings, and they feel like they are constantly searching for something that eludes them.
Stanza 4:
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the nature of the journey itself and the search for meaning and connection in life. They recognize that the journey is "endless" and that the destination they seek may be unattainable. However, they continue to search, hoping to find something that gives them a sense of purpose and belonging.
Overall, "bushed" is a poem that explores themes of exhaustion, alienation, and the search for meaning in life. The speaker's journey is a metaphor for the larger human experience of seeking connection and purpose in an ever-changing and uncertain world.