Life, 1921-06-23 · page 3 of 36
Life — June 23, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine features a poem titled "The Light That Lies in Human Ties" attributed to Henry William Hannemann, with an accompanying illustration captioned "CAN YOU MAKE YOUR ELEPHANT SQUEAK?" The illustration depicts an adult man with a child and an elephant in what appears to be a farmyard or barn setting. The caption's phrasing—asking if the elephant can "squeak"—is humorous because elephants characteristically trumpet rather than squeak, making this an absurd request. The broader poem concerns human character and integrity, using metaphors about ties and appearance. The illustration likely offers a lighter, whimsical commentary on childhood curiosity and the impossible demands children sometimes make of adults or nature—a gentle satirical observation on human nature rather than political commentary.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
The Light That Lies in Human Ties The steadfastness of character. the dependency in matters of importance can be judged by the tie of a man.—Bruno's Review. M rs, if you a man would know \ knot tight-tied refers to purse, If it is gay, then gay is he, lf you would all his traits desery: A sombre hue betrays the mind; If spotted—spotted is his past; Don’t wait until he’s yours in tow— \ man is like his searf—or worse, If it is fragile, he will be Look at his tie. You'll always find. Too good to last. The crooked streak you must eschew, \bove all else, you may not yield Scotch plaids and weaves in coarser (He is a monster to be feared) grain; To him who wears his tie concealed From duotone and curlicue Behind his beard. You must refrain. Henry William Hanemann. “CAN YOU MAKE YOUR NELEFANT SQUEAK?” comicbooks.com