Life, 1922-05-04 · page 5 of 34
Life — May 4, 1922 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page from *Life* magazine contains a romantic poem addressed to a woman named May, using traditional spring imagery (blossoms, birds, roses). The poem is credited to "La T. H." The accompanying illustration, titled "Girls Will Be Boys," depicts young women playing baseball—a sport traditionally associated with boys. The satire comments on changing gender roles in early 20th-century America. By showing girls actively engaging in athletics rather than passive, ladylike pursuits, the cartoon humorously suggests social transformation: women are adopting traditionally masculine activities. This reflects real historical shifts in women's athletics and independence during this era, presented here with lighthearted irony about evolving social expectations.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To May in May BARD, addressing verse to May, Can never’ hope the ear to please, And having now the blossoms done, ’Twould not be fair, but otherwise, Unless I made—if only one— Allusion to the summer skies. No Maytime verse would be complete Without it; so I'll say their hue Compared with eyes more soft and sweet Is just an ordinary blue. Unless he has a bit to say About the blossoms on the trees, And so I'll drag the blossoms in By saying simply that I think Your pretty cheek and pretty chin Are equal to their white and pink. Nor have I even finished yet The stock of seasonable words. On no account must I forget To bring into the scheme—the birds. I'll say your rich harmonious voice Reminds me of the lovely song Of little birds, as they rejoice, When roses say they won't be long! Girls Will Be Boys comicbooks.com