Life, 1920-07-22 · page 7 of 40
Life — July 22, 1920 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem by Edward W. Barnard, illustrated by Rollin Kirnan, satirizes the wealthy through their roses. The speaker—apparently a rose gardener of modest means—is pestered by "radish-raising neighbors" who resent his fine roses and spread gossip that he needs money because "my coat is seedy." The satire hinges on class resentment: wealthy or status-conscious neighbors assume poverty because appearance doesn't match their expectations. The poem mocks both their petty judgment and their own pretensions (references to "Malmaisous for Millie" and "Cabbages for Bet" suggest their limited sophistication). The illustration shows a domestic interior scene, likely depicting the contrast between the speaker's refined roses and his modest circumstances—the central joke being that good taste and beauty transcend social class.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Y radish-raising neighbors Uptilt their stupid noses To see me at my labors Among my darling roses! Marshal Niels for Hilda, Jacqueminots for Jane, Ramblers for Matilda, Leaning in the lane. Every old and new rose Thrives in my parterre If there were a blue rose It- would flourish there. Ruth loves any tree rose— Sharons, Cherokees! Thea loves a tea rose, So! planted these. They say I'm needing money, Because my coat is seedy! But when the days are sunny, How can a man he needy? Malmaisons for Millie, Cabbages for Bet, Pale La France for Lily, Nan a gold Noisctte! In Killarneys Kitty Takes true Celtic pride— What's left for the city When they're all supplied? Some day when these witches Wed and settle down, I may compass riches Shipping up to town Edward W. Barnard. = = ZA 0208 comicbooks.com