Captain Billy's Whiz Bang, August 1922 · page 43 of 67
Captain Billy's Whiz Bang #36 — page 43: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains two satirical poems from *Captain Billy's Whiz Bang*, a 1920s humor magazine. **"Modern Adam and Eve"** updates the biblical creation story with contemporary social commentary. Adam represents the reluctant, work-averse modern man; Eve is the flirtatious "vamp" who tempts him into abandonment of solitary virtue. The satirical punch: Adam abandons his family, and when asked where he is, Eve jokes he's "dodging the Ku Klux Klan"—a topical reference to 1920s Klan activity. This mocks both Adam's cowardice and implies the Klan's prevalence in American life. **"Why Is It?"** sarcastically observes beach culture: women ("vamps and lizzards") expose themselves during summer vacation in scanty bathing suits, but resume modest clothing come September. The poem mocks the hypocrisy and performative nature of vacation behavior versus everyday propriety, suggesting women's liberation is merely seasonal theater. Both poems satirize modern courtship, gender relations, and social hypocrisy of the Jazz Age.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Captain Billy's Whiz Bang 41 Modern Adam and Eve Naughty young Eve, so handsome and fair Strolled in the garden inhaling the air When good Father Adam, lean, lithe and strong— Though bashful and lazy—came trudging along. “It’s flatt’ring but true,” was his curt retort, When Eve called him “Sweetie” and “Red Hot Old Sport.” “I eat choicest fruit from the crab-apple tree And I live all alone in the garden so free.” “Cheer up,” said sly Eve with a cute, teasing smile; Join in on our party and travel awhile.” She extended her hand and led him astray To the place in the garden where fair fairies play. The very next day at the quiet hour of ten Poor Adam was chasing the fairies again; He had eaten the fruit forbidden in Maine But swore he regretted that Eve had raised cane. Then Adam grew weary and started to roam Leaving fair Eve and the baby at home; And when little Cain asked, “Where’s the old man?” Eve answered “Pop ’s dodging the Ku Klux Klan.” * * * Why Is It? On the beach the vamps and lizzards Lie out flat on backs and gizzards, Little on from AAs to Izzards, As they gather coats of tan; But I’ll beg you to remember, That when home on next September, Clothes will cover ev’ry member Of that bunch you freely scan. On the beach the mysticism Of a wondrous atavism Strikes our eyes through Nature’s prism In the gayety about; With the kick-ups and the prances Of those puppy-like romances Never will they take such chances, When vacations peter out.