Treasuring Poetry – Michael Cheadle talks about poetry and a review
Posted: May 15, 2024 Filed under: Books, Collection, Interview, Poetry, Treasuring Poetry | Tags: Interview, Michael Cheadle, Poetry, Robbie Cheadle, Square Peg in a Round Hole, Treasuring Poetry, Writing to be Read 86 Comments
What is your favourite style of poetry to read?
I like freestyle. This is the style of most of the poems I have learned about at school and it is my favourite style to write. I like the freedom and lack of specific structure of freestyle poetry. It must have rhythm, but other than that, there are few restrictions with freestyle poetry.
What is your favourite poem in your favourite style to read?
Eating Poetry by Mark Strand was introduced to me this year by my English teacher. At first, I didn’t really understand the poem but after reading it a few times, it captured my imagination. I like the surreal and unusual style of this poem.
Eating Poetry by Mark Strand
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
***
The librarian does not believe what she sees.
Her eyes are sad
and she walks with her hands in her dress.
***
The poems are gone.
The light is dim.
The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.
***
Their eyeballs roll,
their blond legs burn like brush.
The poor librarian begins to stamp her feet and weep.
***
She does not understand.
When I get on my knees and lick her hand,
she screams.
***
I am a new man.
I snarl at her and bark.
I romp with joy in the bookish dark.
Do you like listening to poetry?
I don’t listen to poetry outside of school. I do love music and I think that songs are a form of poetry. The poems are just set to music. I love music and I’m learning to play the electric guitar.
This is my favourite song:
What is your favourite of your own poems in your favourite style?
I have nine poems published in Square Peg in a Round Hole, poetry, art & creativity by Robbie Cheadle. I have written a few poems subsequently, but not that many as I am studying art at school. It takes up a lot of my time. I like my poem, Devil’s Thoughts in the collection because the setting is one of my photographs. I enjoy photographing roads and cloud formations.
Devil’s Thoughts by Michael Cheadle
Panic and pain
Consume everything
I attempt to speak up
Trying again and again
To call for help
The only response
Is the devil’s reply
Shouting loudly
“Come to me, I can stop it all.
I can make you smile.”
The temptation
I endeavour to resist
The world may be crumbling
It is an endless pit
But it is a road I must traverse
About Square Peg in a Round Hole, poetry, art & creativity by Robbie Cheadle
How to stay positive in a negative world!
Square Peg in a Round Hole is a collection of poetry, art, and photography. The section, Life, demonstrates the author’s perceptions of life in a fast-moving world filled with work, ill-health, and other demands. The other sections illustrate how the poet makes use of writing poetry, creating art, and photography to keep smiling.
Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Square-Peg-Round-Hole-Creativity-ebook/dp/B0CW1H3SQV
A 5-star Amazon review for Square Peg in a Round Hole
Gwendolyn Plano says:
This collection of poetry, photography, paintings, and reflections grabbed my attention immediately. So much so that I devoured it in one sitting. The questions raised, the sorrows expressed, the hopes shared — all resonated with my own. For example, the tanka ‘Voice of Reason’ addresses current situations:
Leaders have the power
To direct others’ footsteps
Don’t blindly follow
Like a lemming to the sea
Let the voice of reason speak
This is a book worth savoring. The author’s brilliance is everywhere present. As an added dimension, Michael Cheadle’s heartbreaking poems bring the collection to a close. Bravo to both Robbie and Michael!
About Michael Cheadle
Michael Cheadle is a student in Johannesburg, South Africa. Together with Robbie Cheadle, Michael has co-authored eleven books in the Sir Chocolate books series, the first book in the Southern African Safari Adventures series, and Haunted Halloween Holiday.
Michael also has nine poems and a charcoal artwork in a poetry collection, Square Peg in a Round Hole.
You can find Michael Cheadle’s artwork and all his books on Robbie Cheadle’s website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
About Robbie Cheadle
Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published fourteen children’s books and three poetry books. Her work also features in several poetry and short story anthologies.
Robbie also has two novels published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
The eleven Sir Chocolate children’s picture books, co-authored by Robbie and Michael Cheadle, are written in sweet, short rhymes which are easy for young children to follow and are illustrated with pictures of delicious cakes and cake decorations. Each book also includes simple recipes or biscuit art directions which children can make under adult supervision.
Robbie and Michael Cheadle have recently launched a new series of children’s books called Southern African Safari Adventures. The first book, Neema the Misfit Giraffe is now available from Amazon.
Robbie’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews. https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/
_________________________________________
Want to be sure not to miss any of Robbie’s “Treasuring Poetry” segments? Subscribe to Writing to be Read for e-mail notifications whenever new content is posted or follow WtbR on WordPress. If you found it interesting or entertaining, please share.
Discover more from Writing to be Read
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
I really enjoyed this mother and son interview Robbie Michael sounds very well grounded and I like his choice of poem…Eating poetry ..His own poem too is very interesting and I feel he really means those words. I wish him every success in his art 💜💜
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hi Willow, I am so pleased you enjoyed this interview. Michael has his own views on the world and his own poetry style. I thought Eating Poetry was a most interesting poem. I hadn’t heard of it before.
LikeLiked by 3 people
yes Robbie Michael is an interesting young man and a credit to you! I also agree that the poem Eating Poetry is very thought provoking. I found Micheals poem very clever too, I wondered if it referred to the times when he was ill or waking from an operation. 💜💜💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Willow, thank you, I appreciate your supportive words. Michael never talks about his operations but his experiences do come out in his writing and drawing 🌹
LikeLiked by 2 people
The good thing is he may not discuss things but his writing and art are a great way to express his feelings 💜
LikeLiked by 2 people
💓🤗🙏
LikeLiked by 2 people
💜💜
LikeLiked by 3 people
Black Hole Sun is indeed very poetic. The examples you give are veru poignant and as you know I love the book Square Peg in a Round Hole. Gwendolyn wrote a very nice review.
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Thomas, thank you for your lovely comment. Black Hole Sun is a great song. I don’t like all of Michael’s song choices – haha!. I appreciate your support of our work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is a great song. Thank you Robbie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thomas, you are a winner in the Sarah tour giveaway! Please contact me at kayebooth@yahoo.com to collect your free digital book. ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. I a made the smallest comment and won. I’ll send en email shortly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
💚😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Kaye 🌞
LikeLiked by 2 people
a lovely poetry post, Michael…
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Ladies.
LikeLiked by 2 people
our pleasure, Robbie…
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed this post by Michael. I love hearing from a young person’s perspective. I agree that music is just poetry set to music. I admire the poems he has written. Keep up the good work, Michael.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Darlene, I am so pleased you enjoyed this post. Thank you 🥰
LikeLiked by 2 people
Mother and son are a bundle of creativity. Oh, my! Michael, you are so talented, just like your mum. I agree, it’s hard to stay positive in a negative world!
I believe my grandson would like the music of Black Hole Sun.
Robbie, Michael’s gravatar fondant art is simple wonderful. Cellphone and headphones complete a good depiction of a young, creative boy. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Marian, I’m glad you like the fondant boy. It certainly gives me a giggle. Thank you for your lovely comment. I hope all is well with you and your family 🌞
LikeLiked by 2 people
you are a master creator Robbie, just look at Michael!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Wayne. That is an interesting idea 🙏💚
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Dawn. He has come to poetry and art on his own. Isn’t that interesting 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
How delightful! You are teaching your son well.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this interview 🙂 I like the poem chosen and song. I agree that song lyrics are poetic too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Denise, song writing and freestyle poetry do seem closely related. Thank you for your comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Robbie, this is an amazing interview. I’m so happy to hear from Michael. Don’t forget I want both of you for a spot on Meet the Poet. 💖
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Colleen, I will get it done. Thank you for your lovely support 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shared both posts on Twitter, Robbie. You have a thoughtful and talented son indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Pete. I appreciate your comment 💓
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great Q&A, and I enjoyed the poetry by Mark Strand and Michael! Also, I agree that some song lyrics are poetry, or pretty darn close to it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Dave 🤗🌼
LikeLiked by 2 people
Robbie, I was so pleased to find Michael here today. Always glad to welcome a budding poet. ☺️ Also pleased that he chose the song by Soundgarden. They were an inspiration to Taylor Momsen of The Pretty Reckless. I wonder, does Michael also listen to their music?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kaye. Michael doesn’t know The Pretty Reckless but he can look them up now that I’ve told him about it 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
They have some very poetic lyrics, although some of their subject matter is rather dark. Tell him to look up the song “Only Love Can Save Me Now”. I think might like that one. I think the lyrics are quite poetic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I’ll tell him. I know he looked them up last night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] https://writingtoberead.com/2024/05/15/treasuring-poetry-michael-cheadle-talks-about-poetry-and-a-re… […]
LikeLiked by 2 people
☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for this engaging interview with Michael! I enjoyed it. “Devil’s Thoughts” is a chillingly powerful poem.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Liz. Michael has a very different outlook on life to me. Symptomatic of the differences between the generations.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome, Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Michael has very good taste in music.
And I agree with him–many songs are forms of poetry.
Great interview as usual, Robbie. (K)
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Kerfe, thank you so much. It is lovely for Michael to read all the supportive and encouraging responses to this interview 🤗💞
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s good to be reflected back–it’s hard to see ourselves clearly.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Robbie – I enjoyed reading about Michael and his feelings about poetry. I agree that songs are a form of poetry. That’s a great observation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Barbara, it really does seem correct that some forms of poetry and song creation use the same composition skills. I’m delighted you enjoyed this post 💝
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes and congratulations to Michael on his creativity!
LikeLiked by 2 people
💞
LikeLiked by 2 people
Robbie and Michael, I thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Mother and son reflecting on some of Life’s big questions – you can’t get better than that! Both of you are incredibly talented. I loved Square Peg in a Round Hole, and I’m elated you shared my review. Bravo, Robbie and Michael! 🎉🙌🏻🎉
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Gwen, thank you so much for your lovely review. We appreciate it. I’m so pleased you enjoyed this interview. Michael’s thoughts and ideas are different to mine 🦋🩵
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wonderful post Robbie and Michael and I love both Michaels favourite poem and song and his own poem is so heartfelt it touched me deeply ♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Sally, this is lovely to know. Michael’s poetry is different to my own and I find it very emotional. I really enjoyed Eating Poetry. It is so different.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great interview guys, and I like what you say about music, Michael. The magic happens when words and music come together in just the right way.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Meeks, its lovely to see you. Michael will read the new comments when he gets home from school. Michael’s keen interest in music has brought the idea of poetry and song writing being related closer together for me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I ‘hear’ the rhythm in prose, but it all comes together for me when it’s combined with music.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is the same for my husband 💓
LikeLiked by 2 people
High Five to the husband! 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for sharing this insight with us!
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Tandy. It is encouraging for Michael to get positive feedback.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Robbie. What a fantastic idea to interview your son. He sounds so well-read already. And his poem – The Devil’s Thoughts was very telling about what goes on in the younger gen’s minds. Michael sounds like a talented chip of your own block Robbie. ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
HI Debby, thank you for your lovely comment. Michael is very artistic and his poetry is very heartfelt. I think he will surpass me with both if he keeps writing and drawing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You may be right. And we know where he got all his creativity from. 🙂 x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well certainly not from his dad. Poor TC is hopeless at art.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lolol 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
A nice dialogue… 💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. It’s encouraging for Michael to do these interviews 🌸
LikeLiked by 2 people
👍🏻
LikeLiked by 2 people
Fabulous interview, Robbie! Michael is taking after you! I enjoyed his thoughts about freestyle poetry and music. Congrats to you both!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Lauren. The music abilities come from his dad 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] Head over to enjoy reading Michael’s poetry choices: Robbie Cheadle interviews her son Michael […]
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Sally. ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Robbie, what a lovely idea to interview your son Michael. I appreciate Michael’s poetry which shows the resistance of devil’s temptation. It’s not an easy thing to do especially when the majority is on the devil’s side. Way to go, Michael! Sometimes it’s lonely to be a positive leader!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Miriam, that is a very good point – it is lonely to lead on the side of positivity, especially lately. The world seems to be drowning in problems. 🩵🦋
LikeLiked by 2 people
Exactly, Robbie! My brother-in-law just retired from church ministry. When he first graduated from college, he followed his father’s footsteps to join the police force. One day, his colleague sneaked some money into his drawer. He found out it was from bribery. They shared the money so everyone would keep their mouths shut. He couldn’t do it, so he quit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is a sad story. I’m glad he found happiness in the church ministry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He surely did and will have a happy retirement.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is sad in some business world. They have to bribe both the mobs and cops.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dreadful 😖
LikeLiked by 2 people
I enjoyed this interview with mother and son. Such a strong and unique bond with so much creativity shared!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Jan 💓
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love the interview! Micheal has a great style and I love his poetry so good. Great song too. What a gift he has and so glad he’s following this passion. 💓
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Cindy, he does have an interest in music, poetry and art. Thank you 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous interview with Michael, Robbie! And great choice on the song.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Teri, thank you, I’m delighted you enjoyed this post 🩵🦋
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s delightful to read an interview with Michael, as well as one of his poems. He’s creative, like his mom! I like that he referenced music, which in my book certainly counts as poetry. And that’s a great song he mentioned 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person