Life — August 30, 1923 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Ballad: To Rush the Season" This satirical poem by Baird Leonard mocks the American tendency to artificially accelerate seasonal activities and holidays. The speaker expresses disdain for people who can't wait for each season properly—those who rush summer plans in spring, exhaust themselves with overbooked holidays, and generally refuse to let seasons unfold naturally. The refrain "All I can say for summer is 'Good-bye!'" emphasizes exhaustion from premature season-rushing. References to "Mercury" and "the devastating fly" suggest summer's actual discomforts. The accompanying whimsical illustrations depict various figures in seasonal chaos. The satire targets American impatience and commercialism—the cultural pressure to consume holidays and leisure time frantically rather than savor them appropriately.