Massachusetts College of Art and Design - Palette and Pen Yearbook (Boston, MA)

Page 17 text:

A SWAN SONG Once when the world was trouhled and rife And wished it might change for awhile. An angel came down from the Heaven above. And greeted the place with a smile. There, with infinite wisdom gleaned from on high. She spoke with her words ringing true, “Suppose,” said she, “You could change your place “What would you rather do ? “Supposing that nature had made you a bird, “What kind would you choose to be ? “Think of the birds you have known all your life ‘‘And then give your preference to me.” After a pause in the puzzled world, A judge raised his head with a cheer — “I speak for the owl and sagacity — “For there’s need but for wisdom here!” A general gazed o’er the rank and file And his words were piercing and trite. “My vote for the eagle,” he said with a sigh, “An eagle for strength and for might ! ” A mother who guarded her irksome brood Waited for others to cease. Then in trembling tones she gently said, ‘‘Make me a dove of peace.” Then one who had sorrowed for many a year. In silence, alone and apart. Said, “My greatest wish would be but this — “A bluebird of happy heart.” So on and on the pleadings went And the angel listened to each. She listened to pleas and to wishes That were far above mortal reach. Then after a pause, when all were done, A wise man tired and drawn. Rose from the ranks and approached her, “Make me”, he said, “a swan!” The angel thought and her face was grave. As she dwelt on each earnest plea. She said, “Well done! YOU have told me all, “But listen a moment to me. “An owl is fitting in his own place “And his wisdom aids distress, “But wisdom can never conquer all — “Or bring you happiness. “The eagle is mighty, I will admit, “He stands alone on a height. “Power: we need to carry on — “But you can’t rule a world with might!” C 11 9

Page 16 text:

NEW TENDENCIES IN ART A L JL few gifted people are beginning to see the possibilities and beauty of abstract design as a decorative element; but until at least a part of the public overcomes its lack of fair-mindedness and understanding, we can- not hope for a great deal of progress. We will have to realize that this is the beginning of an art that gives to a thing the part that endures. Modern painters are not trying to imitate form, but to create form. They have tried to get back to something fundamental. They want to express what we feel of life instinctively, and express that feeling intellectually, and in as abstract a manner as possible. It is really quite logical to see that this tendency had to come. For a long time imitation seemed to be the business of art. All effort was spent on technique, and the result had to be beautiful — a sensuous pleasure rather than an intellectual one! In reality this “new” expression is only the evolution of the old expression. Instead of Beauty or Religion, Science is the motive to-day, and the modern movement reflects this characteristic intellectual and analytical attitude of mind; and we must judge it without reference to previous standards. But the long schooling we have had in perfecting and looking for really superficial details, such as technique, has made us neglect the real value. This new movement is denying the value of the obvious that was placed upon art in former time. The aesthetic sense and the imagination are asked to work and that is what causes the great shock. We expect to find things unchanged and if there is a difference, something new, we are at a loss, for imagination has been lulled to sleep and we fail to get the meaning. « 10 »

Page 18 text:

“A dove? — Oh, yes, peace is there, “With peace — happiness, too. “A dove? Perhaps — I puzzle — “No, the dove would never do! “You have asked for the bluebird, my sad friend, “True she plays a gladsome part — “And happy? Oh, ’tis not our place “To read another’s heart!” When other desires were answered with care. She came to the wise man’s plea, “Well chosen,” she said, “Yet tarry awhile, “I ask you to judge with me.” “Think of the swan as she sails along “In might and in majesty — “She is peaceful, happy and quiet — “Supreme — in her royalty. “What is more fine, when all is done, “Than a glistening snow-white swan “Floating imperially on through life — “Floating, and floating on, “Cresting each rise or subtle swell “With a graceful lift of her head, “And resting in purple shadowed pools “When sun from the world is fled?” “Yet — seeing such beauty, we wonder then “And listen for signs of song. “Can loveliness standing so supreme “Be idle or sUent so long? “Then with a sudden turn of the mind, “Another thought is stirred — “When the swan is waddling up the bank, “She resembles another bird! “No need to carry my thought along, “Let the swan in her beauty remain. “May it sufiBce that she floats away “While we think of the song with pain.” “Now judge — does the thought of the swan “Bring just a thought to you — “Can’t you see that your fervent pleas “Would never, never do? “Not wisdom, or might, or peace alone “Can bring the world success; “But some of each, with beauty and love, “Will establish happiness. “Wish not for the joys of others, “Make the best of whatever you start, “Remember the swan and her idle life “And ask not another’s part!” — Dorothy Sharpies « 12 »