Life, 1921-11-03 · page 5 of 34
Life — November 3, 1921 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains a humorous poem mocking a woman named Folly, presented as a satirical "love letter." The verses playfully criticize Folly's character and romantic entanglements, suggesting she flirts with multiple men (Jones and Brown are mentioned) while the speaker claims superior devotion. The decorative header shows figures dancing or swinging from the letters "LIFE," while ornate cherub-and-floral borders frame the poem—typical Art Nouveau styling common to this era. The satire appears to target vanity and superficial romantic pursuits generally rather than specific political figures. The "folly" referenced is human foolishness itself, making this light social commentary rather than hard-hitting political satire. The elaborate presentation suggests this was entertainment content for Life magazine's educated readership.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Love-Letter to Folly George S. Chappell LLY, my dear, the more I see of you, Your beckoning smile and understanding eyes, The more I tire of Wisdom and her crew ; They are so dull, and you so otherwise. Of course I don’t believe the tales I've heard Of how you carry on with other men. Their pastimes are so utterly absurd, While mine, well, that is something else again. That silly Jones who meets you on the links, And Brown, whose schooner in the offing lies, How little either of them ever thinks That someone else may carry off the prize. Really, my dear, I feel that Fate has planned Our friendship—may I call it more some day ? That I at last shall hold your lovely hand, And take up Folly, in a serious way. AR ANHAANAMNHAANAHNH AGH comicbooks.com