Published 1 April 20091 April 2009 · Main Posts a Lofo poem Jeff Sparrow The cartoonist Lofo has illustrated Overland for yonks. He also writes verse, as below: Why I like Melbourne:A very old-fashioned poem You’ll find no shark In Noble Park, It’s too far from the sea. Snakes do not kill In Yarraville (another place to be). And if you fear The grizzly bear, The tiger and the lion, You safely go To Ivanhoe And find a bed to lie on. Or you may dread the octopus, The rhino or the nozerus, The red-hot flowing lava, The elephant, The fire-ant – You’re safe in Balaclava. No killer whale In Armadale, No giant anaconda, No poisonous frogs, Nor falling logs, You’re good in Moonee Ponda. No giant beast In Richmond East, No ape and no hyena, No killer bee In Ripponlea. Sleep tight in Murrumbeena. And when your favorite aunt is dead, ‘Cause giant bats have killed her, You can be reasonably sure It wasn’t in St. Kilda. Jeff Sparrow Jeff Sparrow is a writer, editor, broadcaster and Walkley award-winning journalist. He is a former columnist for Guardian Australia, a former Breakfaster at radio station 3RRR, and a past editor of Overland. His most recent book is a collaboration with Sam Wallman called Twelve Rules for Strife (Scribe). He works at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne. More by Jeff Sparrow › Overland is a not-for-profit magazine with a proud history of supporting writers, and publishing ideas and voices often excluded from other places. If you like this piece, or support Overland’s work in general, please subscribe or donate. Related articles & Essays 4 October 202418 October 2024 · Main Posts Announcing the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers 2024 longlist Editorial Team Sponsored by Trinity College at the University of Melbourne and supporters, the Nakata Brophy Prize for Young Indigenous Writers, established in 2014 and now in its ninth year, recognises the talent of young Indigenous writers across Australia. 16 August 202416 August 2024 · Poetry pork lullaby Panda Wong but an alive pig / roots in the soil /turning it over / with its snout / softening the ground / is this a hymn