Life, 1921-12-15 · page 5 of 34
Life — December 15, 1921 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a satirical illustration titled "The Miracle Man" accompanying a sentimental Christmas poem by Dorothy Parker. The cartoon depicts an elderly craftsman (likely Santa Claus or a toymaker figure) creating toys and gifts in his workshop while children eagerly await outside in the snow. The satire appears to contrast Parker's idealistic poem—requesting intangible gifts like love, thoughts, and hopes—with the material reality shown in the image: toys, dolls, and manufactured goods. The juxtaposition critiques either commercialization of Christmas or questions whether genuine "miracles" (spiritual meaning) can survive industrial production. The "Miracle Man" may reference a contemporary popular figure, though specific identification remains unclear from context alone.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Che Miracle Man Christmas, 1921 Dorothy Parker | do not ask you for presents rare, Give me your love, on this Christmas Bay, ~ Other-world trove of forgotten metals; Give me your thoughts, when the chimes are ringing. Orchids that opened to jungle air, Send me the happier along my may, Tropical hate in their writhing petals; Beep in my soul let your words be singing. Ouux and ehony, black as pain, Give me your wishes, as bells sod clear, Carved with a patience beyond believing; Charming the air mith their golden measure. Perfumes, to harry the startled brain; Give me your hopes for the unborn yrar, Laces that women have died in meaving; Fill up my heart mith a secret treasure. Conl-tinted pearls from the orean, where Give me the things that you long to say, Grottoes of dolorous green regret them. All of your tenderest dreams unfetter. 3 do uot ask you for presents rare,— Give me your Love, on this Christmas Bay,— Dearest, J kuow that J wouldn't get But come across, please, mhen times them. get better. comicbooks.com