Life, 1903-10-08 · page 14 of 20
Life — October 8, 1903 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features two distinct pieces: **Top illustration**: A polo match scene with the caption "Where's the ball, old man?" / "Swallowed it. It was a high ball." This is a visual pun—"high ball" refers both to a difficult polo shot and an alcoholic drink, suggesting the older player has been drinking rather than playing seriously. **Main content**: Theodosia Garrison's poem "A Haunted House" explores romantic jealousy and insecurity. The speaker describes loving someone whose heart contains memories of a previous love—an invisible "mistress" whose presence haunts their relationship. The poem expresses the emotional limbo of being in a partnership shadowed by a rival's memory. **Bottom cartoon**: A "Daddy Longlegs" comic strip (by unclear artist) shows a tall character asking a shoemaker what he charges for boots, with the shoemaker's response cut off. The page blends sentimental poetry with light humor typical of early 20th-century Life magazine's mix of literary and comedic content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
“WHERE S THE BALL. OLD MAN? “SWALLOWED IT. IT Was 4 IlGit BALL.” A Haunted House. OVE came to me grown sadly wise, As With little longing in his e3 Yet missed I naught, mine own so dim, So blind, for very love of him. He gave me housing in his heart— \ Alone I live in every part, Yet everywhere there seems to spring Signs of another's tenanting. I may not know her name or face Who made this heart her dwelling-place, Yet everywhere there seems to stir The shadow of the thought of her. Strange in this home of mine I rest Forever an unwelcome guest, Feeling her silent enmity, That mistress whom I may not see. Owner and stranger have I stayed, Defiant and yet all afraid, For they have dreams too strange to tell Who in a haunted house must dwell. Daddy Longlegs (to Mr. Buzzfuzz, the Shoemaker); WHat Do Theodosia Garrison, you cuance ror mr nooTs, Boss? comicbooks.com