Life, 1923-06-21 · page 5 of 36
Life — June 21, 1923 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a graduation poem titled "To a Sweet Girl Graduate" by Baird Leonard, published in *Life* magazine's "Life" section. The illustration depicts a Venetian gondola carrying a graduate (shown with mortarboard) and a book labeled "Euclid," floating on stylized waves. The poem humorously advises a female graduate not to be intimidated by her classical education. It mocks pretentious intellectualism by referencing figures like Swinburne, De Quincey, and Euclid—suggesting these shouldn't paralyze her with self-doubt. The satire targets the anxiety women faced entering intellectual spaces, while also poking fun at over-educated pomposity. The gondola metaphor frames her post-graduation life as a romantic journey on "life's great uncharted sea." The tone is gently patronizing yet encouraging—typical of early 20th-century attitudes toward educated women.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
To a Sweet Girl Graduate OVELY you are, my dear, and wise, Wonderment sits within your eyes, The Baccalaureate address Has left you somewhat in distress— Upon “‘life’s great uncharted sea” Your “little barque” will shortly be. Sweet child, ‘step softly. Just because You know the esoteric laws, Don’t think such knowledge grants you grace To bid no-trumps without an Ace: The low-down on the Renaissance Is not a road-map for romance; What's Swinburne’s rhythm on a shelf If you can’t keep in step yourself? De Quincey’s style will not atone For lack of smartness in your own; And Euclid is a total loss When up against a double cross. The world is full of people, child, Whose English is a bit defiled (Though you've sufficient intellect Their verbal errors to correct: It takes a little more, you know, To keep yourself from doing so), Many strong men with lots of cash Have never heard of Thomas Nashe. Don’t be discouraged. Year by year Life will grow more delightful, dear; You'll find in time that you'll discount An unbelievable amount Of what seems so important now, So smooth those wrinkles from your brow. I know, my child, whereof I speak, For once I too could translate Greek. Baird Leonard. comicbooks.com