Life, 1923-11-08 · page 5 of 36
Life — November 8, 1923 — page 5: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a commemorative poem by James K. McGuinness reflecting on the post-World War I period. The sketches depict scenes of wartime destruction and suffering—soldiers in trenches, ruined buildings, and displaced civilians. The poem mourns comrades lost in combat and laments fading memories of sacrifice. It references specific individuals (Marie, an M.P. at Bar-le-Duc) while acknowledging that most war details have been forgotten or are now "black / As that dead fire that yesterday was flame." The overall message critiques how society quickly forgets wartime horrors and the comradeship formed during conflict. The illustrations emphasize the human cost of war through depictions of devastation and loss, contrasting with civilians' apparent indifference post-armistice.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
1918—1923 ID I dream then that passion flaming white, Sorrow and every soul-scorched, tragic day, Five slim years passing, would no more be bright ; Could I foresee the Sacrifice of Right Flouted; and know forgetting is our way? Where are the comradeships we swore to keep, Sharing the jagged fragments of a butt Through the harsh silence of a world asleep, But strangely watchful; were they then too cheap Or far too precious for the daily rut? Those who went on when we have but come back: Yes, I remember here and there a name, Vaguely, and vagrant incidents that track Into my mind; but all the rest is black As that dead fire that yesterday was flame. Those are forgotten save in odd regard. Estaminets, vin rouge and that M.P. At Bar-le-Duc, who thought -he was so hard, Yet linger; and though retrospect has marred Her splendors, still I muse about Marie. James K. McGuinness. comicbooks.com