Life, 1920-12-16 · page 5 of 45
Life — December 16, 1920 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The page contains two distinct pieces: **"Kindness"** (top): A sentimental poem by Joseph Addison Galahad about recognizing kindness in everyday acts—a woman's steadying presence, gentle hands, words of cheer. This reflects early 20th-century moralistic content common to *Life* magazine. **"Had Had His Fling"** (bottom): A cartoon dialogue between an Ex-Doughboy and his father. The son, returning from WWI service in France where he earned $30/month in a munitions factory, is asked why he didn't bring something home. The humor targets post-war economic disappointment—soldiers returning to meager civilian prospects after military service. The Christmas scene emphasizes the contrast between wartime sacrifice and peacetime hardship, satirizing both the father's expectations and the son's deflated circumstances.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
It is a steady presence all the day THINK I know what kindness is to-night That pushes lagging, dragging hours away It is a woman standing by a light. I think I know what kindness is to-night. It is a woman standing by he. It is a smile when life seems mostly grim Joseph Andrew Gah It is a hope when hope has grown quite slim. Had Had His Fling It is a hand that’s gentle, firm and cool. X-DOUGHBOY (as beggar departs) Why didn’t you It is calm sense when you think like a fool ¢ him something? soy’s Fatner: [know him. While you were get- It is a word of cheer when cheer is gone. ting thirty dollars a month in France, he was getting thirty It is a lowered blind at garish dawn. dollars a day in a munition factory. WHAT CHEER? , M'poy! pip YOU BRING—? THAT BAG OF yours?” comicbooks.com