Life, 1922-11-02 · page 7 of 40
Life — November 2, 1922 — page 7: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This poem by B.L. critiques American society during what appears to be a period of economic hardship and social restriction (likely Prohibition era, given references to drinking laws). The silhouette illustrations depict various hypocrisies: people hiding illicit activities, censorship ("CENSORED" visible), prohibition enforcement, and government control. The poem sarcastically thanks various forces—Congress, "Prohibitionists," revenue-raising measures, and critics—for making life difficult. The central complaint: despite economic hardship ("current cost of living"), citizens are forced to endure "confusions" of regulation and moral policing. The satire suggests these restrictions are justified by false optimism ("keep a few illusions"), while ordinary people struggle. The ornate border frames these complaints as grim commentary on contemporary American life.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
From a Grateful Heart V Te are told to count each blessing (In an old, familiar hymn) When our outlook is depressing And the star of hope is dim. We're admonished that the total Will be more than we expect, That in manner sacerdotal We shall start to genuflect. Well, from what we hear at present, This is just the time to count; Prospects aren't very pleasant, Criticism’s paramount. “Our brave forbears fought to free us,” The severest carpers say; “They would laugh if they could see us, Their posterity, to-day.” Almost everything's unlawful That we really like to do; Congress has adopted awful Means of raising revenue; Men like John S. Sumner tell us What to read and how to think; Prohibitionists compel us To risk death with every drink. With the current cost of living What it is, and worse to come, Little reason for thanksgiving Can be figured out by some. In the midst of these confusions J must thank my patron saint That I've kept a féw illusions And can see life as it ain't. Mm comicbooks.com