Amidst the "hot pies and potato-chips", "innocent monsters" and "resurgent lions", Dawe effectively illustrates Victorian popular culture in the poem "Life-cycle". Generally speaking, the subject matter is associated with Victorian lifestyle, notwithstanding the prevalent reference specifically to AFL football. Humour and good intentions counterbalance sentiments of condescending ridicule. Dawe flippantly suggests that "the tides of life will be the tides of the home-team's fortunes". Whilst some may be inclined to assume that Dawe is merely mocking a preoccupied Victorian society, it is worth mentioning that his criticisms are far from hostile. In fact, it would be fair to say that...
"Carn?óÔé¼?ª Carn?óÔé¼?ª" furthermore developing the image of the hot-headed and perhaps at times 'obsessive' nature of the supporters. The title "Life-cycle" presents a clear and concise summary of the overall theme. It generally implies a cyclic renewal of the football culture and spirit, despite the entrance and/or departure of members from an eminent football entourage.

It becomes apparent that, similar to the poem "not-so-good-earth", there is an underlying message of preoccupation that humans have the tendency to engage in. Dawe approaches this issue in the absence of overwhelming criticism or applause, consequently producing a light-hearted and entertaining satirical poem.