Salutation by Ezra Pound

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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