Life, 1904-05-05 · page 15 of 40
Life — May 5, 1904 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine (1920, based on the "Op. 1920" notation) contains satirical poetry mocking American urban life by contrasting it unfavorably with World War I combat. **"The Sounds of Peace"** by Wallace Irwin presents ironic commentary: soldiers facing explosions in actual warfare are portrayed as fortunate compared to civilians enduring the constant noise pollution of modern cities—subways, elevated trains, newsboys, and street musicians. The joke inverts expectations: the "sounds of peace" are actually cacophonous and unbearable, suggesting urban civilization is as hellish as war itself. The accompanying illustration shows a couple beneath a gnarled tree, likely representing romantic idealism. Below this, a brief humorous exchange about disappointed lovers appears—each assumed the other was wealthy, subverting romantic sentiment with financial cynicism. The page reflects post-WWI American attitudes: urban modernization's downsides and skepticism about traditional romance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
WOOD SONG. D. Cupid, Op. 1920. The Sounds of Peace. HEN the Eastern foemen battle, And the warrior shoots his load, | Whilethe busy Gatlings rattle And torpedo-boats explode, | Sure, it seems a dreadful pity ‘That these men who face decease Can't be dwelling in the city And enjoy the sounds of peace. Where the subway’s soft explosion Tears tranquillity in twain, Midst the regular commotion Of the elevated train ; Where the happy newsboys yelling Drown the merry call, ** Police 1? And a German band is swelling All these gentle sounds of peace. Fighting men must face explosions, Jarring dynamite and shell, And the various commotions Which convince that ** war is hell.”* 429 But the powder-laden zephyr Which is roaring over seas Couldn't make us any deafer Than these whooping times of peace. Wallace Irwin, Keen. “HEY were disappointed in love, weren't they?” “Yes, Each thought the other had money.”” HILDHOOD fears no future for it knows no past. comicbooks.com