Life, 1917-05-03 · page 14 of 42
Life — May 3, 1917 — page 14: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page announces a *Life* magazine poetry contest offering $500 for the best patriotic song. The contest seeks work celebrating American democracy, liberty, fraternity, equality, and "the Allies"—indicating this was published during World War I era when America had allied with Britain and France. The illustration titled "Beauty Worship" shows two figures on a rocky outcrop gazing at a mountainous landscape. This likely represents idealized American spirit and natural beauty—imagery meant to inspire the patriotic verses *Life* was soliciting. The contest required poems under 24 lines, modern democratic language, and proper metrical composition. Submissions were due by June 18, 1917, addressed to *Life's* New York office.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
‘LIF E- A Song for America Lire will pay Five Hundred Dollars for the best one Are there poets in America who feel the thrill of the American spirit in the present war? Let them put their song into words. America needs the in- spirational value of a great song. Conditions No poem or song should be longer than twenty-four lines. It should be a song of modern Democracy, typifying the spirit of Liberty, Fraternity, Equality and the ‘Allies. Its adaptability to be set to music will be a factor. By “best” is meant its close conformity to the description just given united with correct metrical rendering. It should be typewritten and addressed to the Poetry Editor of Lire, 17 West 31st Street, New York, and the author’s name and address should be plainly writ ten upon the manuscript, which should be accompanied by return postage in case of rejection, The editors will exer- cise due care in returning unavailable contributions, but will not hold themselves responsible for loss. Contestants are advised to keep duplicate copies. All manuscripts must be in Lire office by noon of June 18, 1917. No manuscripts received after that date will be considered. The final award will be announced as early thereafter as possible. Of this there will be due notice. Check for $500 will be sent simultancously with the an- nouncement of award. If any of the rules of this contest are violated the Editors of Lire reserve the right to debar the contributions. Each contestant will be limited to one contribution. No music should accompany the manuscript—words alone will be considered. Contestants are urged to send in poems only that conform to the highest standards of metrical composition. It is not necessary to be a subscriber to Lire in order to compete. The contest is open to everyone. In the event of a tie the prize will be duplicated. BEAUTY WORSHIP