Life, 1896-06-11 · page 5 of 20
Life — June 11, 1896 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# "Marigold Lane" - A Romantic Poem with Illustrations This page from *Life* magazine presents a sentimental poem by M.E.W. about longing for a charming cottage on "Marigold Lane." The poem expresses nostalgia for a beloved location and romantic memories—specifically mentioning a woman named Nellie and fantasies of Spanish castles. The illustrations support this romantic theme: a "To Let" sign on a quaint house with lilacs, a woman's face peering from a cottage window, and floral decorative elements. This appears to be lighthearted domestic sentimentality rather than political satire. The signature "Oompe" indicates the artwork's illustrator. The content reflects early 20th-century *Life* magazine's blend of poetry, illustration, and escapist romanticism for middle-class readers.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
KNOW of a street on the edge of the town Where blithely the sunshine of spring-time looks down And lilacs lean over, all purple and white, To make for the passing a path of delight— Though Fashion ignores with profoundest disdain The very existence of Marigold Lane. And often and often when homeward I'm bound I find myself taking the longest way ‘round, With smiles at my thoughts as there comes into view A dear little house, that would just do for two, Announcing ‘* To Let,” like a tender refrain Of songs that my heart sings in Marigold Lane. In fancy sometimes at the window I see Her curly head nodding a welcome to me, And sometimes at twilight she stands by the gate, Half-hid by the shadows, to listen and wait For footsteps she loves— Ah, the castles in Spain I build as I wander through Marigold Lane! So dreaming and hoping, I'm biding the day When ‘round flies the news that there's raising of pay; And then in the gloaming when Nellie and I, Arm over, arm under, go loitering by— It may be the sign will not hang out in vain On the cottage I covet in Marigold Lane. comicbooks.com