Salutation by Ezra Pound
Salutation by Ezra Pound
Ezra PoundO 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.
MARGINALIA
I was rereading Mary Oliver’s The Poetry Handbook yesterday. Saw this poem by Ezra Pound. Never fails to render me speechless.
ABOUT EZRA POUND
Ezra Pound is widely considered one of the most influential and most difficult poets of the 20th century; his contributions to Modernist poetry are enormous. He was an early champion of a number of avant-garde and Modernist poets, developed important channels of intellectual and aesthetic exchange between the United States and Europe, and contributed to important literary movements. Pound’s published books include A lume spento (1908), Exultations (1909), Personae (1909), Provenca… (more)
Read more poems by Ezra Pound • Find books by this poet on Amazon • Bookshop • Or view my library
ENDNOTES
- Explore other works in pursuit of: simplicity • contentment • satire • Or browse the index
- If this work resonates with you, please consider supporting the archive. Thank you for reading.
mrcjsan
I am intrigued in this poem. what does it mean to you?
Lauren I. Ruiz
That’s the same book I learned about this poem from. Love the book, and also amazed by this poem!