I was rereading Mary Oliver’s The Poetry Handbook yesterday. Saw this poem by Ezra Pound. Never fails to render me speechless.
Salutation
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.
