Poem: Salamander Vanstone

Salamander Vanstone

Oh when those students riot

and call you obscene names

with a bit of luck

and cut and tuck

we'll beat them at their game


Salamander Vanstone

I know just how you feel

it goes to show

they wouldn't know

a salamander from an eel.


They shouldn't need a pension,

education or Medicare;

if they'd only save

or go to the grave

then we'd have cash to spare.


When it comes your turn

to slash and burn

then cut the dole

and put up HECS

they don't need the bloody cheques.


I heard them say the other day

you're one apart, without a heart.

Salamander it's not true

you're a battler, true blue.


Are you the Aussie battler

John Howard tries to please?

It's a pity though he had to bring

the country to its knees.

John Tomlinson

From GLW issue 241