Square Peg in a Round Hole – by Robbie Cheadle

On By ResaIn Book Reviews, Interviews

This honest exposé of Africa’s nature highlights Robbie’s love for all flora and fauna.

Writing a review for this book of poetry, photography and art is truly like sticking a square peg in a round hole. It defies categorization. Yes, it is well crafted, entertaining and informative. However, it strikes out beyond those adjectives. It teaches, with heart.

Resa – Near the beginning of the book is a heart touching & humorous free form poem – The Visitor. What bird is depicted, and did you really have this visitor?

Robbie – The visitor is our semi-tame hadeda, Eleanor. She lives on our property with a male bird, although he disappears sometimes and she is always around. I feed her occasionally but not often enough for her to lose her independence as a wild bird. She will wander into my house if she gets the opportunity. I don’t mind her visiting but she can get a little upset if she can’t find her way out again. Then I have to help her. The information in that poem about the loerie birds is also true. We don’t net our fruit trees anymore.

Robbie – There is another poem in the book about our loeries being the fattest birds in the city.

Resa – I was going to ask about that poem. It makes me feel happy. I love it!

Fat Birds (shadorma)

Mangled fruit
Product of guzzling
Plump loeries
Eat and eat
I'll have to build a runway
Fattest birds in town

Resa – Growing up in Canada we had an American TV show called “Wild Kingdom”. Often it depicted the animals of Africa. They were wild, free, mysterious and dangerous. Did you have a nature show like that? Or, how did you learn about African animals?

Robbie – I have never really watched TV. It was late coming to South Africa and I never developed the habit. I always read a lot though, and one of my favourite series was Willard Price’s animal adventure books. I became very interested in the plight of wild animals as a result of these books, although at that time they mainly focused on poaching and the illegal animal trade. Interestingly, Willard Price was a Canadian.

Robbie – Later in my life, National Geographic magazines came to South Africa and I bought them every month. I had piles and piles of them and ended up giving them away each time my family moved house (21 times during my pre-marital years). After I met my husband, we started going to game farms whenever we could afford it. I’ve learned a huge amount from the various guides and game rangers. 

Resa – Then, there’s climate change.

Robbie – Climate change started coming to my attention in the ’90s, but I never really thought about it in connection with our wild animals until the early 2000s. Over my adult life to date, more and more animals have become endangered to a point where the list of ‘least concern’ animals is much shorter than the endangered list. Many ‘least concern’ animals are actually in danger of disappearing due to habitat loss. Over the past 15 years, I’ve become a lot more involved in promoting the plight of our animals and doing what I can to help support them.

King of the Beasts

“To a Lion” is a contemporary poem, that travels, with images, over 6 pages. The reality of the plight of this majestic animal is beyond what people want to comfortably know. I say the truth hurts, especially when one confronts “Canned Hunting”

Resa – When did you learn about “Canned Hunting”?

Robbie – I despise hunting. I don’t understand it and I don’t support it. Canned hunting came to my attention about 15 years ago when I overheard a few of the guides at a game farm talking about it. I didn’t know the term prior to that. According to World Atlas, there are approximately 7,000 lions held in captivity in between 160 and 200 canned hunting breeding farms in South Africa. 

Excerpt from To A Lion

You've seen your peers shot - their heads stuffed and mounted
Victims of canned hunting
Perpetrated by fools who do not appreciate your beauty
Or the vital role you play
In the maintenance of the African ecosystems
And all its amazing creatures

“The Story of the Desperate Salesman” (99 syllable double ennead) and “Nest Selection” (freestyle) are of intrigue to me. The male Weaver bird builds a nest to attract a female. If a female doesn’t accept his nest, he dismantles it. Then he builds another more elaborate than the preceding nest.

Excerpt from The Story of the Desperate Salesman

He's been building for days
King of construction
Improving his intricate weaving techniques
Working from dawn to dust
Then comes marketing

This building and dismantling is repeated until a female moves in. Somehow this parallels certain thoughts I have about societies, ergo nations. Lots to say about what this “little bird told me”, but then I’d need to write an essay.

Robbie’s poems & photos took me on a journey that was visual, emotional and introspective. A bonus to the entire experience is I learned a lot about poetic form through example. In brackets beside her poems are the types of poetic structures they are written in.

Ekphrastic Poetry with photograph contributions by Wayne Barnes, photographer

Robbie winds up her poetic offerings inspired by the wildlife photos of Wayne Barnes.

Resa – The tone of the poetry is similar to the first part of your book, but takes on an “I want to be free” vibe, with positive suggestion and encouragement. Am I right to think and feel that?

Robbie– Wayne’s photographs are wonderful. You are exactly right in your summary of the poems written in combination with Wayne’s pictures: they are “I want to be free” expressions and do include positive suggestion and encouragement.

Resa – You’ve used  mostly Wayne’s bird shots. Is there a reason for that?

Robbie – I believe that is why I chose so many birds for these combos. I see birds as being free creatures that move about and have the compete freedom of the skies. I’ve always though being a bird would be delightful. 

One of Wayne’s stunning bird beauties is at 10 seconds in the video below.


The opening words on the promo video above are from one of Michael Cheadle’s nine poems at the end of the book. His work stands on its own. He is a terrific writer, and I felt his pain. He sent this quote, when I asked about it.

Michael – “Writing poems about my anxieties helps clear them out of my mind.”

In the photo below, Robbie holds one of her novels, “A Ghost And His Gold”. This book is a superlative read. Read my review! There is so very much to say about Robbie, that you should just go to her about page!

About

Robbie is a prolific writer. You can find her books on Amazon sites around the globe. Just search “Robbie Cheadle” for children and youth books – “Roberta Eaton Cheadle” for adult books.

Some of her books are also available on KOBO.

Visit Robbie on her blogs:

Roberta Writes and Robbies Inspiration

The videos in this post are from Robbies YouTube Channel On her site there are all kinds of videos of African animals and more.

The stills in the post are by Robbie and you can download them for free on Robbie’s Unsplash Page

The stunning Lion art is © Robbie Cheadle

199 thoughts on “Square Peg in a Round Hole – by Robbie Cheadle”

    2. Thank you Michael!

      I’m a huge fan of Robbie, and support her efforts on behalf of animals and the environment.

      As we can see, animals, all of nature, need all the help they can get.

      Best wishes to you, Michael!

      Reply

              2. Soon, very soon my darlin. You avhe the cover, the opening lines are…

                PROLOGUE – Paris 1793

                        Losing your memory at the best of times was bad enough. The sticky cobblestones in the Place de la Revolution, where tumbrels trundled, drums beat and crowds bayed, was not that.

                Reply

    1. You’re welcome Merril!

      Robbie is inspiring to those of us who love animals and all nature.

      She’s a terrific writer, who uses her pen with passion.

      Reply

    1. Thank you Dave!
      The canned hunting reality is sobering and then some.
      Robbie is doing her share, big time. It’s my pleasure to help spread this message for the planet. 🤗

      Reply

        1. Truly!
          “They walk among us” is a phrase I hear from time to time. Now, I believe it. It must be “they”doing the canned hunting.
          👽
          I can’t believe any normal person would. 😢

          Reply

        2. There’s also a lot of beauty in the book, Dave.

          The book presents the beauty as a juxtaposition …. “Don’t it always seem to go
          That you don’t know what you’ve got
          Till it’s gone” – Joni Michell

          I know the Canned Hunting kind of takes over our hearts and minds and the post when we read that.
          Still, I had to bring it up, in a need to know basis.
          I did highlight other poems.

          Reply

  7. Thanks for sharing Resa, will look more into it, seems to be a multi talented person with deep insights on wildlife protection, climate change and all the beauties and treats going along with this, thanks!

    Reply
  8. Timothy Price

    Fantastic interview. The only thing you should hunt and shoot lions with is a camera. I had to laugh at the National Geographics. My parents had shelves and shelves of them. I loved them as a kid. Robie is so talented in all her endeavors.

    Reply

    1. Thank you for this lovely comment, Tim!

      Yes, shoot with cameras.
      What is in the hearts and minds of people who would kill for pleasure?
      I didn’t discover National Geographic until I was an adult. The only magazine my parents subscribed to was “TV Guide”.

      Yes, Robbie is uber talented and caring.

      Reply

  9. Oh my goodness, what an interview, questions and answers. You rbrought your land to us Robbie.. Resa, as ever, you aye ask the best most searching questions. This has been my coffee time treat today.

    Reply

    1. Yay!
      Thank you for taking time to read this Shey!
      Robbie is a wonderful ambassador for South Africa. I’ve learned a lot since meeting her out here in cyberville.

      Questions are intriguing, but it’s the want of intelligent answers that drives them.
      Adore you, and try not to step on any Dudes. They are tiny, after all, and do get in the way…often! xxxx

      Reply

        1. Hahahahaha!o I have that book!
          Okay, I just read it again! Lol! Such a sweet book. Is that the Dudes on Page 24? Sure looks like them. The Trolls are hilarious looking.

          Reply

      2. She is indeed. Loved reading all about the animals. when I was wee, my dad had an army friend out there, who stayed on after WW2. He used to send photographs and wonderful little hand carvings of the various animals. I still ahve the carvings. Robbie brought so much of that back. Adtore you my darling in return.

        Reply

          2. Brilliant. I have 9 left of what was possibly 12. Some got broken and some just got lost. My youngest grandie loves them. I have them on a little shelf I made right opposite where I am typing this actually.

            Reply

        1. Of course you do!
          You are so wonderful in the way you appreciate all the little things people create/do for you. This is why you just had to be one of my AGM models; so I can keep on drawing you!

          Reply

            1. Yay! Getting through the drawings for the Gown-In! It’s blotting and weighting down the paper to dry that takes time.
              I’ve got 2 pads going now! xxxx

              Reply

      1. I loved it. I was telling Resa how you brought bits of my childhood back with your pictures of the animals You are riiht about content. YOU provided it here. A truly great post. Both of you take a bow.

        Reply

      1. Marina is one of the first bloggers I ever followed. Yes! I adore her art. Then, when I saw how much she loved animals and that she used some of her art to support them, I fell in love!

        Reply

  16. A wonderful message! We are responsible for the creatures in our world. To hunt them down and kill them is despicable. Robbie is doing a great job to forward their agenda to save these precious animals are so essential to our own existence. I love this post and I thank you Resa and Robbie for perhaps opening the hearts and minds of a few who would do harm. Sending a big hug and a congrats to Robbie on the beautiful books.
    xoxoxo

    Reply

    1. Thanks you, and I agree!
      The animals are our responsibility, and Robbie is doing a great thing.
      Her book really drove home “Canned Hunting”. I feel like throwing up when I think of that. My chest becomes heavy.
      Thank you so much for your caring comment, Holly!
      xoxoxo

      (ps – answered and sent mail w/pics)

      Reply

    2. Hi Holly, thank you for your wonderful supportive comment. I often don’t understand people. I could never kill an animal, but to kill one that has been raised by people and which doesn’t recognize humans as a threat in a caged area, is incomprehensible to me.

      Reply

      1. The concept is beyond cruel and hard to wrap one’s thoughts around. It must stop. I appreciate your advocating for this issue, you need to recognize that we share this world, we do not own it and as humans it is our responsibility to care for, not destroy all creatures that share this earth with us. Thank you Robbie and Resa. ❤️

        Reply

        1. It’s a disgusting concept.
          It seems no all humans are of equal heart, intellect or wisdom.
          Welcome dear Holly!
          Your heart (and poetry) are beautiful creations
          xoxoxo

          Reply

  17. What a wonderful spotlight on Robbie’s book, Resa! I love the questions you asked and your words about the book. I marvel at how well Robbie does so many creative things. I also marvel at the beauty of nature and wildlife!

    Reply

  18. I love this Q&A, Resa! What a lovely highlight on Robbie’s wonderful book! I so appreciate you highlighting female artists and creative people on your site. I LOVE the images and that video of the elephants with the babies, so cuuute!!

    P.S. I saw The Elephant Whisperers short on Netflix recently, I highly recommend that.

    Reply

    1. Thanks Ruth!
      Robbie’s book is most enlightening.
      The arts are a marvellous vehicle for expressing all kinds of thought and ideas. You’re right! I do appreciate and encourage women and all creatives of all ilks.

      I’ve heard of The Elephant Whisperers. I will check it out!
      Thanks Ruth!

      Reply

      1. I just clicked on your review of Roberta’s book. Oooh I LOVE the drawings you made, you are so freakishly talented, Resa!! Perhaps you should write a book of your sketches, unless you have done that already?

        Reply

        1. Aww… thank you!

          I have tons of sketches! I have another blog where I design and make gowns out of trash fabrics. They are 100% sewn by hand, and take 3 – 7 months to make 1 gown. SO, in between the gowns… I draw gowns.
          I’m getting better at it.
          You might enjoy having a peek.
          Actually, I’d love it if you did. 🤗🌹
          Just click on “blog” to view my offerings!
          artgowns.com
          https://artgowns.com/blog/

          Reply

            1. Ohh, thanks Robbie! ❦🌹🌟
              I’m thinking of doing another Barbie gown for another challenge. I have some 100 year old lace & linens that Diana (Myths of the Mirror) sent me.
              I’m making a gown from them now.
              Still, pinching a tad for a Barbie gown won’t cause any issue!

              Reply

  20. Great interview! I really like Robbie’s work, particularly when she talks about nature and conservation. I enjoyed this a lot and hope it makes people think 🙂

    Reply

    1. Me too! The book made me think, especially the Canned Hunting. It really is something that makes me throw up my arms in disgust, in a questioning of humanity.

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Trent!

      Reply
  21. D.L. Finn, Author

    Wonderful post, interview and review. I agree this is a fantastic and insightful book for so many different reasons.

    Reply

    1. Thank you!
      I was quite inspired. I’ve been a huge fan of Robbie’s for awhile now. All the poetry and love of animals are easy for me to love back.
      Then when I read “A Ghost and His Gold”, I was blown away.
      Again, Thank You!!

      Reply

        1. … and you did. I learned a lot, while being engrossed by a story.
          It makes me think about past novelists, especially Charles Dickens.
          The French Revolution is a fascinating piece of history. Yes, there are volumes of dry history data books.
          However, “A Tale of Two Cities” educated me more than all of those in terms of: the plight of the aristocracy, the peasants hate arisen from their desperation, the blood thirst of the guillotine, political and legal conditions in France, politics of England and consequences.
          Thank you for writing AGAHG!

          Reply

  22. I agree 100% with your very first statement on this post, Resa. This book defies categorizing. I loved it! What a wonderful spotlight for the book, great interview and wonderful review! Congratulations to Robbie!

    Reply

    1. Hello Jan!
      Yes, Robbie deserves big kudos for this book.
      I’m so happy you read it and know what I’m talking about.
      I love her wildlife photos and videos.
      Congrats to you too, Jan! You are an accomplished writer!

      Reply

      2. Comment is so well-deserved… Don’t worry about the story. It’s there. I’d been meaning to ask you about your aunt… getting better is definitely good news. Fingers crossed.

        Reply

  25. Just wow, another creatively magnificent review/interview Resa and congrats again to Robbie. I was shocked to read about lion canning, how bloody horrible, planned murder for sport. And that Weaver bird story is clever – how far will one go to set up a home hoping to lure in a partner? Lol. Fantastic introduction to Robbie’s book, Resa. Robbie is a fabulous creative. Hugs to both ❤ xox

    Reply

    1. Thank you dear Debby!
      I love doing reviews…or whatever one calls what I do.
      Robbie is a prolific writer who uses her ability in the most noble of ways. It’s an honour to cover her work on my blog.
      Canned Hunting! Sickening, disgusting and useless.
      I had to bring up this sad section of her book. People should know, and Robbie was not afraid to write about it.

      Hey, GF! Happy Canada Day! Hope you have a good one, whether it’s quiet, or loud!
      xoxoxo❦🌹

      Reply

  26. I got a cramp in my finger, scrolling to get to the bottom! Serves me right for being late to the party, eh?

    As usual, you have given us a fantabulous review of a wonderful book. Thank you for that. Robbie’s writings and art (as well as Michael’s) are gorgeous.

    Reply

    1. Yes, I know all about the finger cramp. I get one on your blog quite often.

      I suppose we could do the thing where the newest comments are at the top, but then what the heck was scrolling invented for, anyway?

      I’m a huge fan of Robbie’s books. She goes deep, and can express the depths in various tones, depending. Wonderful!

      Hey Happy Canada Day, GF Thunder! Has your week(s) of bliss begun?
      ❦🌹❦🌹 – xoxoxo

      Reply

      1. Hahaha! Oh stop! 😉

        Nah. I considered it but nah…

        Yes, I know you are and I have yet to read any. YET is the key word.

        Happy Canada Day to you GF Sorceress! They begin on the 11th 😉
        xoxo💖🌼💖🌼

        Reply

  27. Great interview, really getting to the heart of Robbie’s interests and concerns. I like that she has taken the time to both learn about and pass on so much valuable information about the animals and environment in South Africa. (K)

    Reply

  28. Resa, what a wonderful interview with Robbie. It’s a marvelous promotion for her book. Everything about it is beautifully done. By the number of comments, you know it’s a gigantic hit. Well done to both of you. Congratulations to Robbie. Wishing her continued success. She’s become quite a phenomenon. Hugs.

    Reply

Speak your art mind!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.