Life, 1923-08-30 · page 3 of 36
Life — August 30, 1923 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
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.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Ballade — To Rush the Season JN winter I’m exuberant and gay— On pleasure hyperbolically bent ; In spring, although it isn’t always May, My spirits also are ebullient; In autumn, with its Titian tints besprent, I hit the vital thoroughfare on high; Now is the season of my discontent, AIL I can say for summer is “Good-bye!” Tosti remarked it in a different way— His chanson of farewell was a lament, “What are we waiting for?” inquires that lay, It wouldn’t take me long to tell the gent; It’s ten to one he never could have spent A week-end at a beach town in July Or tried the Sunday jam to circumvent. All I can say for summer is “Good-bye!” For me no overheated holiday ! In April or October I'll consent To quit my trusty Remington and play. The wingéd insects that are prevalent When Mercury refuses to repent— Especially the devastating fly— Alone can make my soul belligerent. All I can say for summer is “Good-bye!” LEnvoi Prince, do not think my speech extravagant, Herewith the whole wide world I notify That I am glad September’s imminent— All I can say for summer is “Good-bye!” Baird Leonard. comicbooks.com