Life, 1921-03-03 · page 7 of 38
Life — March 3, 1921 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a tribute page from *Life* magazine celebrating its 2000th issue. The ornate decorative border frames a poem by Owen Seaman (identified as "Editor of PUNCH") addressed to *Life* magazine. The poem humorously toasts the magazine's longevity and influence. It references *Life* as "the salt of the earth" and celebrates its satirical spirit ("the spirit of Punch, defying space"). The imagery at the top shows a cherub and a skeletal figure (likely Death or Time) flanking a classical urn—typical Victorian memento mori symbolism suggesting the magazine's enduring legacy despite time's passage. The verse is celebratory rather than satirical, functioning as a formal congratulatory message from a competing British satirical publication.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
for 2k£S pete 2SSUC UNCH, who is getting on for eighty FA And full of wisdom Yery weighty, With wit enough to know the worth Of such as you, the salt of earth, Begs leave to send his love and wish you Great joy of your memorial issue, Hoping you'll put his tribute in’ For sign that you and he are kin. So, when about the festal board Men toast your health with loud accord (Here's to a merry Life and long !) But find the wassail far from strong, The spirit of Punch, defying space, Thanks to the bonds of speech and race, Shall brim the cup with cordial dew To fortify that temperate brew. OWEN SEAMAN, Editor of PUNCH. comicbooks.com