In grade 11 and trying to understand this poem which the teacher gave very little explanation for, telling to "interpret the poem for yourself" The poem is called Bushed and is written by Earl Birney.

He invented a rainbow but lightning struck it down
shattered it into lake-lap of a mountain
So big his mind slowed when he looked at it

Yet he built a shack on the shore learned to roast porcupine belly and
wore the quills on his hatband

At first he was out with the dawn
whether or it yellowed bright as wood-columbine
or was only a fuzzed moth in a flannel of storm
But he found the mountain was clearly alive
sent messages whizzing down every hot morning
boomed proclamations at noon and spread out
a white guard of goat
before falling asleep on its feet at sundown

When he tried his eyes on the lake ospreys
would fall like valkyries
choosing the cut-throat
He took then to waiting
till the night smoke rose from the boil of sunset

But the moon carved unknown totems
out of lakeshore
owls in beardusky woods derided him
moosehorned cedars circled his swamps and tossed
their antlers up at the stars
then he knew thought the mountain slept the winds
were shaping its peak to an arrowhead
poised

And now he could only
bar himself in and wait
for the the great flint to come singing in his heart.

That's it! very confused as to its meaning. any help would be appreciated.

"...which the teacher gave very little explanation for, telling to 'interpret the poem for yourself'."

Notice -- "interpret the poem for yourself."

So ... here's a way to do that:
1. Read each line or pair of lines; then write what you think those lines mean in your own words.
2. Don't hesitate to look up any words that you don't understand -- http://www.answers.com
3. At the end of each stanza (or group of lines), write up a summary of what those lines are saying.
4. Once you have gone through the whole poem doing these things, read through your own phrasing and words. Then you should be ready to give your own interpretation.

Here are a couple of websites that will give you additional ideas about how to read and interpret a poem:

http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/poetry-explication.html

http://www.uncp.edu/home/canada/work/markport/best/study/poetry.htm

Analyzing a poem can be a daunting task, especially when you're given little explanation or guidance. But fear not, I'm here to help you understand Earl Birney's poem "Bushed" and guide you through the process of interpreting it.

Step 1: Read the poem carefully
The first step is to carefully read the poem multiple times to familiarize yourself with its overall structure, language, and imagery. Pay attention to any recurring themes or symbols that may emerge.

Step 2: Analyze the title
The title of a poem can often provide valuable contextual information. In this case, "Bushed" can imply a feeling of being exhausted or overwhelmed. Keep this in mind as you delve into the poem.

Step 3: Break down the poem into sections
Divide the poem into sections based on shifts in subject matter or tone. This will help you analyze each part individually before linking them together.

Section 1:
The first section seems to introduce a character who has an imaginative mind capable of creating a rainbow but faces setbacks when it is destroyed by lightning. There is a sense of awe in the presence of a grand mountain, which overwhelms the character's mind.

Section 2:
Here, the character adapts to his surroundings by building a shack and learning to survive in nature. Wearing the quills of a porcupine on his hatband indicates his connection to the wilderness.

Section 3:
The character is described as being in tune with the mountain and its rhythms, as if they communicate with each other. The mountain is alive, sending messages and booming proclamations. The presence of a white guard of goats implies a protective force.

Section 4:
The character adapts his behavior by waiting until sunset, relying on the moonlight and the smoke from the sunset as indicators of when to act. The reference to valkyries and cut-throat suggests a predatory environment.

Section 5:
The character perceives a deeper meaning in the natural surroundings. The moon carves unknown totems, owls mock him, and moosehorned cedars symbolize strength and spirituality. The winds shaping the mountain imply a transformation or purpose.

Section 6:
The character is trapped, but embracing this isolation and waiting for something significant or profound to happen. The mention of "the great flint" suggests a spark of inspiration or revelation.

Step 4: Identify themes and symbols
Based on your analysis, you can identify recurring themes and symbols in the poem. Some possible themes could include the power of nature, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of meaning or purpose. Symbols like the mountain, the quills, the lake, and the moon can represent different ideas or emotions.

Step 5: Interpretation
Using the analysis of the poem's sections, themes, and symbols, formulate your interpretation. Remember that poetry is subjective, so there can be multiple valid interpretations. Share your unique perspective on what the poem might mean to you, making sure to provide evidence from the poem to support your interpretation.

By following these steps, you should be able to develop a deeper understanding of Earl Birney's poem "Bushed" and construct your own interpretation.