Life, 1919-04-03 · page 24 of 60
Life — April 3, 1919 — page 24: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a sentimental poem with accompanying illustration, not satire or political commentary. The piece appears to commemorate soldiers and their sweethearts during wartime (likely WWI, given the era). The text celebrates memories of lovers meeting in natural settings before young men "bravely marched away" to war. The illustration shows a forest scene with benches and figures, evoking pastoral romance. The poem's message is hopeful: rather than becoming "wistful ghosts" lamenting loss, these memories should inspire faith that soldiers will return ("what again shall be"). This is nostalgic, patriotic sentiment rather than satire—typical of *Life* magazine's wartime content honoring sacrifice and conjugal devotion.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Goreshadotaings HERE once they walked and heard the whippoorwill And felt what all may feel, but none disclose, Fond memories of lovers wander still In that sweet shade that only moon- light throws Soft memories keep watch in grove and dell, Embowered nooks and paths that curve and stray, For true-souled maids who bravely said farewell And gallant lads who bravely marched away. So may they walk, dear dreams, on heath and shore, Through billowy field and under sheltering tree, Not wistful ghosts that whisper. "*Never- more," But gladder wraiths of what again shall be! Arthur Guiterman, Comicbooks.com