“Humans – wait your turn please”

On By ResaIn Animal Lives Matter, Street Art

That is a line from one of the poems in Robbie Cheadle’s new book Burning Butterflies.

I Found a Wall with a Simian, a Tiger and a Leopard

… and I immediately thought of Robbie.

I have learned a lot about South African animals from her books, photos and videos, so it was natural that I thought of her when I saw this mural.

Did you know that “most of the monkeys are not indigenous to South Africa and were raised as house pets or bred for the pet trade.”

From – Lion Scream

Tigers

…are not from Africa, either.

From – Lion Scream

Leopards

…. are however, from Africa!

From – Burning Butterflies

Burning Butterflies is Robbie’s most recent book of poetry and imagery.

Through poetry, photography, art and video, she shares her knowledge of South Africa’s wildlife with us.

Robbie not only teaches us about these fabulous creatures, but tells of their plight in man’s madding world.

About Robbie

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated four poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies. .

Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.

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

See all the animals on Robbies YouTube Channel 

Download African animal pics for free on Robbie’s Unsplash Page

Street Art pics taken by Resa – March 14, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artists:

It was a really long wall – over 100 ft.

278 thoughts on ““Humans – wait your turn please””

  1. I fully understand how those images made you think of Robbie. Thanks for showcasing her poetry. I, too have learned a lot from her poetry and books.

    1. It is ridiculous how little I knew of South Africa until I met Robbie.
      Not only have I leaned about its flora and fauna from her, but the history about the Boer War in her book A Ghost and His Gold is a marvel of diligent research combined with story telling.

      Thanks Dan!

    2. Thank you, Dan. Resa’s posts is a genius to finding amazing artworks and creating impressive posts. I’m delighted my poems can shed a bit of light about wildlife in Southern Africa 🌈💚

    2. Thanks Merril! I went wild when I found this wall. I must have take 70 pics. Lol! I deleted most.

      I thought of Robbie and her work right off. The pairing was natural. Lots of fun here.

  3. Well, Ms. Resa you…plus Robbie…have everything there is with this one from Confessions of a Tiger along to a collection of artistic beauty. Well done, All the best, TOF

  4. How could you not think of Robbie seeing this beauty of a mural? Gorgeous images (first tiger pic does not show, however).

    Wonderful collaboration of poetry and images.

    You are the best, Sorceress!

    xoxoxoxo

    1. How could it not? It could not.
      I love when art reminds me of someone.

      The Tiger…. shows here. That happens to me on other blogs sometimes. I think it’s a WP load/internet thing, because when I click on the pic, in those instances, it blows up, it’s there!
      Then when I go back to the post, it’s there, too, 9/10 times.

      Anyway, I reloaded it just in case. I always appreciate someone mentioning a glitch. one never knows!

      Thanks…best.. We are both the best!
      xoxoxo⚡️𝑻𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓💥xoxoxo

      1. It could not! And yeah, that’s so cool.

        And it did eventually load. Pain in the arse.

        Aren’t we though? 😁

        xoxoxo 🧚🏻‍♀️🪄 xoxoxo

            1. Thanks! I’ve been having fun with the Math and Latin lettering.
              I got the idea from Graham at Mandala Vihara!
              xoxoxo⚡️💥xoxoxo

    1. Hi Brad, this is a remarkable post. Resa finds the most glorious artworks. South Africa does have local monkeys. They generally have black faces. We also have a lot of imports in the sanctuaries where people bring them into the country and then can’t care for them.

    2. Thanks Brad!
      I thought of Robbie as soon as I saw this. I’m a huge fan of her animal art(s) & messages.

      Before Robbie told me, the first place I would have thought monkeys came from was Africa. There and the Amazon.
      DUH!

  7. Great murals. Looks like a very cool 100 foot wall. Robbie’s poems fit so well. Images and words combined so well into a perfect book review.

  9. Wow, what amazing murals! My favorite is the monkey; I love the contrast between the dreamy blue and the red flower to the side, and the eyes are mesmerizing! That leopard is incredible too; the detail is uncanny. Robbie’s poems are perfect. What a lovely melding of art and poetry! 💜🐆🐒

    2. Thank you Ada!
      It is a fab melding of 2 arts.
      I love the blue monkey, too. I adore when an artist says okay – I know this should be brown, but I’m making it blue.

      It’s a form of freedom, to me.

      Update: My next big deal post is Underground Art. Then the next big one will be the one for you. I do small ones in between, while I’m working on the big ones.
      xo❦🌹❦🌟

    2. I completely agree, Tim. I love it when I find some street art, and it makes someone pop into my head.
      Robbie’s poems are A+

    2. Thank you, Dave!
      It was a joy working on this. “Burning Butterflies” is a terrific book. I was thrilled to find this art to go with it.

  16. Resa!!! Fabulous!!! Thank you for this luminous and moving review of Burning Butterflies. Robbie’s heartfelt poetry and passionate advocacy for South Africa’s wildlife come alive through her words—and your post brings even more depth through your vibrant mural photography.

    The way you pair her verses with the murals infuses her message with added layers of meaning and emotion. Your photographs don’t just illustrate—they echo Robbie’s urgent call to protect what is wild and wondrous in our world.

    Together, your collaboration becomes a kind of dialogue between poetry and place, between creatures and colour. Truly inspirational.

    1. Rebecca, this is such a thoughtful comment. I am delighted to have my poems paired with these stunning incredible artworks. Canada has brilliant artworks and creativity 🦋🩵

    2. I agree Rebecca!
      Robbie is passionate about South Africa’s animals. It has made me a fan of hers.

      As a life long animal lover, I have a deep affection to how Robbie is helping the South African wild animals, by educating through the arts.
      Her paintings are amazing. I love watching her animal art progress.
      Although from painting 1, she had the eye and feel.

      I’m thrilled you find this collaboration inspiring. I hope others feel the same way. HUGS!

  17. Wow, Robbie’s poems paired with these stunning animal murals are pure magic! Absolutely adorable and such a gem of a post!

    Hugs and love

    and Hera slobberies!

    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    2. Thank you dahling Marina!
      It really all came together beautifully!
      Is Hera chasing flowers today? Are there olives on the tree, yet?
      xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo🧽xo

      (That thing when the Player on Oannes is not working is happening again. It started last night, and I just checked again, not working. It started working on day 3 last time. I’m keeping the posts in a queue, and will keep you up to date with what’s happening. It could be a server issue)

      1. Yes it did come together …wonderfully!
        Yes, Hera’s chasing flowers and veggies in the garden. There are lots of tiny olives hanging from the tree. Lets hope they stay and grow big!
        I don’t know why this happens, maybe if you refresh the page it’ll work. We’re transferring the mp3s to a cloud storage. However every time I check, the player works. I’ll check with them too.
        xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

        1. What will you do with the olives, beside preserve them? Can you cook with them?

          I have tried many refreshes. It is an odd thing. I just tried one of the ones that didn’t work yesterday. It’s still grey.
          When I say grey, the start triangle button is grey and non responsive, instead of black.
          I just tried Joe Jackson again. Grey.

          I’ll try 1 more…. okay..I tried Alan Vega…grey!

          All the Youtube stuff works. And yesterday I listened to some music on a post that was not a youtube embed.
          It worked fine. I don’t understand. Although the first Oannes ones that didn’t work, worked 2 days later.
          xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

          1. I really don’t know why this happens. I’ll ask with the cloud storage platform. Maybe it’s a server thing…

            On olives, if we get many, we might make olive oil, if not, there’s a procedure to keep them in jars ready to eat. If you like you can add them in various foods or pies.

            xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

            1. I love eating olives!

              The player started working again yesterday afternoon, so I listened to amap. I’m listening to Alan Vega right now which hasn’t worked since early June.
              I also brought up MKO that you just posted. It looks fine!
              xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

              1. phew! That’s good to hear!!!! I’ve been trying to find out why, but nothing!

                I love olives too! When you visit [because you will!!!!!!] you’ll have Marina olives! 😉 …sorry, Hera olives! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

                1. Hahahaha! Of course they are Hera olives.
                  She must be in doggie heaven in your new home!
                  xoxoxxoxoxo🧽🧽🧽🧽🧽xoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Me too! I love that the monkey is blue. Freedom through art!
      The artist who painted the monkey is fabulous. He’s a tattoo artist by trade. Possibly the most expensive in Toronto.

  19. Hi Resa, this is an amazing post. The monkey and tiger murals are fantastic but that leopard … just incredible. I am honored to have my poetry featured with these stunning artworks 💫⭐️🌈

    1. I so happy you like this! I thought of you the second I laid my eyes on this mural.
      It was serendipity that I got to pair it with “Burning Butterflies”.
      It’s a terrific book of poetry and art.
      Thank you so much!

  21. Great post (as always) and great content. The poetry and pics – brilliant. That wall reminds me of a wall I found with a wildlife mural on – it featured sea oysters but it was as far south as you can get, in Bluff New Zealand…..a bit different than Africa or Canada!

      1. Hi Resa, yes I would jump at the chance to go back down under but it is a pricey proposition. Luckily my Kiwi cousin was able to house me and Mrs T but then the road trip meant lots of Trivago and AirBnB rented accommodation costs. Though having said that the stay at the Rees Hotel in Queenstown, overlooking the Remarkables Mountain range was unforgettable!

      1. Hello there, yes it’s just a shame the mural was in the the most southern town in New Zealand, not many people get to see it. I also visited Rotorua where I met a lion cub at Paradise Valley Springs wildlife park and climbed around some giant Redwood trees – New Zealand is just magical whatever you do or wherever you go,

        1. That’s new to the list!
          When there’s a fab mural you can:
          Put trash cans in front of it
          Plant a tree in front of it
          Paste up Parking signs
          Erect a utility pole
          Park cars, trucks and Vans
          Lean grill work, machinery, plumbing etc. on it
          Paint it in the most southern town of New Zealand

    1. Thank you Gi! It was fun. I’m seeing more things in the street art than I used to. It can be useful, because it speaks.

    1. Thanks Shey! I hope the artists keep paining.
      I’m ready for another season of fresh art on walls.
      I’m also always ready for another Robbie book about South African animals. xxxx

    1. Thank you Jan!
      I’m very inspired by Robbie’s creative work on behalf of African Animals.
      It was a joy to make this pot.

  27. This is a wonderful review of Robbie’s work. She is amazing and you have captured that amazement in your post. Your poems are very well crafted and bring out the beauty of the animals you describe!

    1. Thank you, Roth!
      The art had Robbie’s animals written all over it.
      The poems are so perfect, because Robbie wrote them.
      The credit is under the poems. Let this be a lesson to me to make that print darker in the future!
      Double thank you!

      1. You are welcome. I guess I should have looked closer at your post. When Robbie said you had paired her photos with poems. I thought you took her photos and wrote your poems about them. My mistake! :>)

  28. Wow!! So many wonderful things on a single post!! Great imagery and Robbie’s poems are so evocative, highlighting each animal perfectly! That leopard one is simply incredible; there’s a certain mystique to that gorgeous big cat.

    Resa, you capture art so beautifully!! What a tribute to these magnificent creatures and to Robbie’s gift of words! Thank you, ladies!! ♥ ❤ ❥ ❣ ❦ ❧

    1. Thank you Ruth!

      It is such a pleasure to feature Robbie (and all talented pals out here).

      I’ve done a lot of posts about/with Robbie. Her books are all terrific, and I believe her work of raising awareness about the South African animals (hence all animals) is worthy, important and of my heart as well.

      x🌹⌘🌹⌘🌹o

      1. That is so awesome for Robbie to raise awareness about the South African animals and all animals of this world! Great that you feature her work beautifully, Resa! Cheers!

      1. Hi Robbie!! Resa is indeed an artistic magician ✨🪄 I adore big cats and leopards are particularly enchanting 🐆 Have a great week, ladies! 🖤 ❦ ᥫ᭡

  30. A well deserved served and beautiful tribute to Robbie ‘s work and to these beautiful animals. Robbie, your love and concern for the animal population of the world is to be commended. Resa, this is a beautiful piece of work, the murals are breathtaking, esp the Leopard, one of my favorites in the animal kingdom. I once did a huge needlepoint of a snow leopard that took me over a year to finish. Now , as a result of many moves and travels it’s packed away in the attic.
    This is one of my favorite posts of yours, it’s absolutely beautiful. Robbie, Thank you for all your lovely books and poetry that highlight our world of nature and beautiful wild animals that we need to cherish and protect.
    xoxoxoxoxo

    1. Dear Holly,
      Thank you, you really are a house of heart!

      I agree, the animals need our help and Robbie is walking the walk.

      Needlepoint leopard? Dig it up! I’d love to see it. Take a pic and write a poem!

      It’s my pleasure and honour to feature Robbie and her work whenever I can.
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      1. She’s really doing a wonderful thing calling our attention to wildlife and our responsibility to protect these beautiful animals. This is a great post. I love it.
        🥰

        1. Thank you, Meece!
          ❤️xo🌸xo❤️
          I agree about Robbie. I like to throw a spotlight on her whenever I can.

          I also like that we have been doing more role model women bios. We could branch out to say.. a writer? Toni Morrison.
          I’ve also wanted to do the Heart Sisters together in 1 portrait.
          xoxoxoxo

    2. Hi Holly, Resa finds incredible artworks and I’m thrilled she paired them with my poems. It is very gratifying that so many WP bloggers are interested in wildlife and nature conservation. Together we make a difference. I’d love to see your snow leopard. It sounds beautiful

      1. Thank you dear Robbie. You’re doing a wonderful job calling our attention to wildlife and our responsibility to protect and preserve their habitat. Great job my dear!

  31. Pingback: “Humans – wait your turn please” – Robbie's inspiration

  33. Of course you thought of Robbie, Resa! I would’ve too, and I also love learning from her books. The murals are incredible and the poetry is beautiful and powerful. I’m currently working on a review for Burning Butterflies, which I loved as much as all of Robbie’s books. Congrats to her for being featured here. ❤️💐

    1. Thanks Lauren! ❤️
      Robbie just keeps coming up with more teaching books, that entertain.

      “A Ghost and his Gold “was so intriguing, yet it was a history lesson at the same time.

      ❤️xo🌸xo❤️

      1. You’re so welcome, Resa! I agree about Robbie’s books. I feel like I’ve been to Africa now. 🙂 I haven’t read that book, but I have “While the Bombs Fell” in my line-up to read. Congrats again to Robbie on this wonderful post. Hugs 💕🌻💕🌻💕

  34. Oh this is wonderful through and through, Resa. Thanks for promoting Robbie’s remarkable books of poetry.

    What wonderful murals — charming and whimsical. I love that light color of green as a background covering the whole wall. That leopard is my favorite though — it’s breathtaking. Hugs all around.

    1. Agree, the leopard is breathtaking!

      It’s a joy promoting Robbie and her books. She brings us closer to the animals, who we love more than we know.

      Hugs all around!

    2. Hi Teagan, the eyes of the leopard are very compelling. I love all the animals though, they are stunning. Resa is wonderful to showcase my poetry and books alongside them 😊🪷

      1. I have a lot of admiration for your creative work on behalf of the South African animals, Robbie.
        This is the least I can Do.

  36. The murals . . . always magical Resa.

    Love these, because they ask that we respect all these wonderful creatures. Most humans, sadly, never learn.

  38. A beautiful post Resa, collaborating your Simian find with Robbie’s beautiful artwork and book. Two very multi-talented empowering women you both are. ❤ xoxo

      1. I agree. Everywhere I’ve been, all kinds of art, art galleries and museums..outdoor art and murals. There is a Museum of Human Rights in Winnipeg.

    2. Thank you Debby!

      Robbie came to mind as soon as I saw the monkey.

      I now know most monkeys are not from Africa. So I learn. Basically Robbie comes to mind when I see exotic animals.

      It’s a joy to hep her get her messages out there.

      xxo❦🌹❦🌹xo

  40. Compliments to all three of you: Robbie, Resa, and the street artist… (Robbie also has a very good hand at drawing and painting…) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

    2. Hi Brian!

      A bit lost in comments.

      I adore all of Robbie’s work. It’s a lot the animals now, but at first it was the children’s books.

      Thank you for this lovely comment and for caring!

  42. What a brilliant lesson to learn, so let’s step aside, human! 😁

    Thank you, Resa, for these spectacular murals, and Robbie, for the insightful information.

    👍👏🙏🌹🌹💖💖

    2. When I read that line in Robbie’s poem, I was like..YES! ✊✌️For the animals!

      Thank you for your lovely comment, Aladin!

      💖🤗x🌹o🤗💖

  43. LionScream and Burning Butterflies are truly exceptional works, masterpieces in their own right. I appreciate this wonderful showcase of Robbie’s poetry, art, and books.

    1. Agree!
      I adore Robbie’s work a lot.She deserves showcases and spotlights.
      Thank you for your visit and leaving this lovely comment!

  45. Beautiful artwork you have found Resa, and no wonder you thought of Robbie and her wonderful connection to Wild life in Africa.. Robbie is so talented, and her words echo strongly not only of the character of the animals, but of their plights.

    Thank you Resa for sharing Robbies poetry and I wish her well with all her books.

    Sending love and well wishes my friend xx

    2. I so agree with you Sue!

      Sharing this mural along with Robbie’s books was a must.

      From the responses to this post, it is obvious many do care about the plight of the animals.

      Sending love back! xo💖🤗x❦

      1. Robbie certainly shares those heartfelt feelings about wild life Resa, and I feel this community care deeply for the plight of animals where ever they may be..

        Have a lovely weekend Resa xx ❤

  49. I’ve learned a lot from Robbie’s books too, Resa. Beautiful murals and wonderful poems to complement them (and visa versa). Wonderful post and congrats to Robbie on her excellent collection.

    1. Thank you for reading this Diana!
      Robbie has a mission, and I like it!
      I know you are in a nature creative mist right now. I trust your energies are gathering.
      Hugs!

      1. Not much creativity right now, Resa. More house chores. But that’s fun too as things get done and come together. 🙂 Yes, Robbie’s on a mission. She’s amazing.

        1. I agree! Doin chores can be a good time to think, or forget, depending on the chore.
          When the chores are done, there’s a fresh feeling.
          I always want to be creative then. You know, lots of space to mess up! ❦❦

    1. Yes, that’s what I thought when I found the mural. Art is so great, and it’s a gas to just go into the streets and find some. 😀

      1. I live in Melbourne and there is a laneway in the City centre that is like an art gallery for street art. I haven’t been in the City for a long time but I still remember how incredible those artworks were..and they /are/ works of art.

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