Life, 1912-07-18 · page 7 of 44
Life — July 18, 1912 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page presents a sentimental poem by Arthur Guiterman celebrating childhood innocence and the bond between a boy and his dog. The poem describes idealized boyish traits (a grin, wind-rumpled thatch, rosy cheeks) and the pup's carefree nature (whistling, barking, wandering). The accompanying illustration titled "THE MAN WHO NEVER WAS A BOY" shows an adult man observing children playing with a dog near a fence and house—apparently someone who missed out on such simple joys. The satire appears gentle: a commentary on lost innocence or adults disconnected from childhood play. This reflects early-20th-century *Life* magazine's frequent romanticization of childhood as an idealized state, contrasting carefree youth with adult responsibilities and emotional distance.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
THE Boy wears a grin, A scratch on his chin, A wind-rumpled thatch, A visible patch, A cheek like a rose, A frecklesome nose. A Boy and a Pup The Pup, though he may Be tawny as hay, Is blithe as a song; He gambols along And waves to each friend A wagglesome end. With whistle and bark They're off for a lark; According to whim, A hunt or a swim, A tramp or a run, Or any old fun. They don’t care a jot If school keeps or not, When anything's up, The Boy and the Pup! That duo of joy, A Pup and a Boy. Arthur Guiterman THE MAN WHO NEVER WAS A BOY comicbooks.com