Life, 1923-05-17 · page 16 of 46
Life — May 17, 1923 — page 16: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page features a sentimental poem by Mabel Cleland about cherished childhood toys—a bisque shepherdess, lute player, china girl, French cupid, dancer, and tambourine—that once lived together on a parlor whatnot (a decorative shelf). The upper illustration shows two adults in an interior, likely depicting the nostalgic memory. The lower illustration, titled "The Excelsior Baseball Club Celebrates a Victory," depicts what appears to be a children's baseball team celebration, though the specific historical reference is unclear from the image alone. The page mixes genteel nostalgia with humor about childhood play and memory—typical of Life's blend of sentimental and humorous content.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Lia teeter bo Ga. Detective: You can’t remember what night this happened? “No, I was so excited at the time I only remember I was in my bath.” “Say no more, lady—I have it—it was Saturday night.” Where Have They Gone? HERE have they gone? The little bisque shepherdess with her crook, And her lover with his lute, The china girl with the lady-bug on her arm, The French bisque cupid, Perched everlastingly on one foot, The little girl dancer in her china accordion-pleated skirt, And her tambourine lying at her china pointed toe. They all lived together on a black-walnut what-not in the parlor, When I was a little girl. I wonder where they are now? I know where I like to think they are! Living harmoniously together On a black-walnut what-not In the Land-where-I-am-going-some-day ! Oh, I hope that they will recognize the little girl Who loved them, So long ago! And I hope when they see me They will run to the edge of the what-not, As fast as their little unbent china and bisque legs will allow them— (Poor little legs no longer tired from standing) And welcome me home! Mabel Cleland. The Excelsior Baseball Club Celebrates a Victory comicbooks.com