Life, 1921-07-21 · page 3 of 34
Life — July 21, 1921 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a satirical poem titled "Signs of Age" by Mabel Haughton Collyer, critiquing America's perceived decline. The poem contrasts the nation's youthful ideals with present realities—censorship, blue laws, lost virtue, and European perceptions of American aging. The cartoon "Marine Zoo" features a doctor and woman on a ship discussing sea serpents. The joke relies on double meaning: "passengers are seeing a lot of them" likely refers to both literal sea creatures and passengers experiencing hallucinations or drunkenness (possibly from Prohibition-era alcohol or stress). The satirical point appears to target either maritime oddities, public intoxication, or psychological strain among travelers during this era. Both pieces express concern about American society's moral and cultural trajectory.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
UR Nation must be getting old— *Tis. frowning on the dance; It censors raiment overbold Whene’er it gets a chance. ’Twould frame a Sunday closing law For everything that’s sold. It did not feel so stern before— It must be getting old. Signs of Age It craves siestas, tea and toast, And oil to rub its spine. It scorns the things it loved the most— Bright lights and sparkling wine. Cool Virtue’s name is now extolled— Fair Folly’s dirge is sung. This Nation must be getting old— Though Europe calls us young. Marine Zoo “Did you ever see a sea serpent, doctor?” “No, miss. But since prohibition the passengers are seeing a lot of them.” America! the youthful land! That was so gay, forsooth— Perchance you need a monkey’s gland That will renew your youth! To say good-by to youth so fair Is tragedy that’s drear. They’re waxing younger Over There— Why wither Over Here? Mabel Haughton Collyer. comicbooks.com