Salutation by Ezra Pound

Ezra Pound

Salutation by Ezra Pound

T.

I was rereading Mary Oliver’s

The Poetry Handbook

yesterday. Saw this poem by Ezra Pound. Never fails to render me speechless.

Salutation

Ezra Pound

O generation of the thoroughly smug

and thoroughly uncomfortable,

I have seen fishermen picnicking in the sun,

I have seen them with untidy families,

I have seen their smiles full of teeth

and heard ungainly laughter.

And I am happier than you are,

And they were happier than I am;

And the fish swim in the lake

and do not even own clothing.

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poetry