Poetry in the Evening with Robbie Cheadle

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inLadyBudd, Poetry, Poets, Robbie Cheadle, Sunday Evening ReflectionTags:, , , , , ,

Welcome to Poetry in the Evening.

I am honoured that Robbie Cheadle has given me permission to recite her poem, “We love you, Daddy, from her book “BEHIND CLOSED DOORS, a collection of unusual poems. This poem reminds me of my Father, who passed several years ago. Even now, the memories of our conversations, which go back to my childhood, strengthens my courage and builds my resilience.

Robbie Cheadle is a prolific writer whose book genres span the ages of children, young adults, and adults. In order to clearly separate her children’s books from her adult books, she writes for older readers under the name Roberta Eaton Cheadle.

I invite you to join me in reciting Robbie Cheadle’s poem, “We love you, Daddy”.

We love you, Daddy

By Robbie Cheadle

Daddy, you must know
You’re our number one guy
When we’re right down low
And when we’re flying high
As tiny mites you tickled us
Which made us laugh and giggle
Told long family anecdotes
Which made us yawn and wriggle
You taught us to look after things
And made us clean our bikes
Polishing spokes ’til they shone
Still, something none of us likes
You are our first port of call
When things are going badly
Your help we all appreciate
Most gratefully and gladly
Our sister into labour went
While travelling in her car
You are the one she called
To come rushing from afar
As we travel our chosen path
Men will come and leave
But you will always be the best
We honestly believe

Behind Closed Doors, a collection of unusual poems by Robbie Cheadle

Cover design by Teagan R. Geneviene

Compiled and Edited by Kaye Lynne Booth

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

104 thoughts on “Poetry in the Evening with Robbie Cheadle”

    1. Many thanks, Liz!!! I have enjoyed reading Robbie’s poetry collection, Behind Closed Doors! Isn’t it interesting that poetry brings up memories and sensations – almost deja vu.

      Liked by 4 people

  2. Your voice, Robbie’s poem, Teagan’s cover design; how wonderful to have you altogether in one post. The poem reminds me of my father, too. He drove me to the hospital when I was in labour with my first child. Funnily enough he had spent the afternoon cleaning the car, something that he loved to do, but his labour was for nought because the car got dirtied by rain and muddy roads on the way to the hospital that evening!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. A really appealing poem by Robbie — skilled, heartwarming, both serious and light. Don’t we all wish we had a parent like that. 🙂 Wonderful recitation, Rebecca; you hit all the right notes.

      Liked by 5 people

      1. I love this poem, Dave, especially Robbie’s ability to offer both seriousness and lightness to the message. Robbie’s poetry collection in “Behind Closed Doors” is diverse and compelling. Many thanks for your visit and comments. Very much appreciated.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. I am so pleased you enjoyed this poem. It is one of my favourites because it is about my dad. His four girls all love him very much. It’s interesting that your father also drove you to the hospital when you were in labour. What would we do without our dads?

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      4. He had a very long life and a good one. He was always there to take care of us even when we were adults and married with our own children. And his strong financial discipline meant that he was able provide for us, even after his death. Such a blessing.

        Liked by 3 people

    3. Many thanks for joining me in Beacon Hill, and for your comments, Mandy. Poetry seems to awaken memories within us. I smiled thinking of your father cleaning the car never thinking of the excitement that was to follow in just a few hours. A ride to remember!!

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    2. I agree wholeheartedly, Shey. Fathers have a huge impact on a child’s development. They play a pivotal role that cannot be filled by others. There is a quote, although I have not idea who said it – “Anyone can father a child, but being a dad takes a lifetime.”

      Liked by 4 people

    1. Many thanks for joining me at Beacon Hill Park in Victoria B.C, Margaret. Poetry and gardens go together the same way as tea and toast. I love reciting poetry in nature because I feel that there is a reflective energy that surrounds me. I know you will enjoy Robbie’s poetry collection in “Behind Closed Doors.”

      Liked by 3 people

  5. A beautiful and heart-touching poem; thank you for sharing it with us, dear Rebecca. I was just seven years old when my father died, and I have a vague memory of him. I wish it could be more.

    Liked by 5 people

    2. I am delighted that you enjoyed Robbie’s poetry. It is very very difficult to lose a father at a young age, Alaedin I wish that you had had more time with your father. Many thanks for your visit and comments – so very much appreciated.

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      10. Serendipity is alive and well, connecting our thoughts and experiences in unusual ways that defy explanation. There are emotional nuances in your words that offered moments, as Dave Astor wrote, of lightness as well as seriousness.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you, Colleen for sharing this moment in Beacon Hill Park, reciting Robbie’s poetry. I must tell you about the “Moss Lady” the next time we meet up!!! Every time I visit her in this park, there is a sense of magical energy.

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    1. Thank you, Marian for the link to your most excellent GoodReads review of the poetry collection “Open a New Door.” It is an excellent book that I have enjoyed these past months. There is a marvelous connection w between Robbie and Kim. I am delighted that you enjoyed the poetry recitation.

      Liked by 3 people

  8. Hi Rebecca, thank you so much for sharing a reading of this poem. It was such a wonderful surprise to discover that this particular poem had touched you. I have always been very close to my dad and I spoke about him during my wedding speech. I said he was our number one guy and all us girls cried. Such a beautiful memory.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. “Behind Closed Doors” is an extraordinary comment on living through a global pandemic, Robbie. Your tanka poem that follows embodies these months of social distancing:

      No Contact (tanka poem) by Robbie Cheadle

      My life feels ghostlike
      Insubstantial and unreal
      No human contact
      No office; only on-line
      Nothing left to keep me here

      Thank you again for giving me your permission to recite “We Love You Daddy”.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Hi Rebecca, Michael listened to your rendition of this poem and he loved it too. That tanka you have quoted is exactly how I felt. It was as if no-one else existed and I spent my life engaging with my computer and invisible people on Teams. I really found it very surreal and unsatisfying.

        Liked by 2 people

  9. Thank you, Robbie & Rebecca for this lovely, personal poem. Just so wonderful. I didn’t have a father in my life, but that doesn’t stop me from rejoicing in YOUR blessings of having wonderful dads! It did affect me, but I’ve been blessed in so many other ways. 🙂 Sweet, sweet poem.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I am delighted that you enjoyed this recitation, Mary Jo. I agree, Robbie’s poem brings out profound thoughts on how important fathers are in the lives of their children. Don’s father was absent for most of his life. Don agrees and identifies with your thought that he has been blessed in so many other ways.

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      1. Very sorry, Mary Jo, about not having a father in your life. Same to Don, Rebecca. It’s true that many other positive things in life can help make up for that.

        I had an exceptionally negative father for part of my childhood, and then no father after he left. That and having a problematic mother made for some challenging years. But ultimately they were two “role models” because they sort of “taught” me to do the opposite of what they did when I became a parent. 🙂 Served me well. 🙂

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      2. Dave – those are Don’s exact words – “served me well.” Role models come in all sizes and shapes!!! Experience is a difficult teacher, but the lessons learned open us up to empathy, kindness, and the determination to do better, to be better. Many thanks for adding insight to this conversation.

        Liked by 4 people

      5. Hi Dave, I am so sorry you had such a difficult and unsettled childhood. It is a great thing you have been able to rise above it and be an exceptional dad to your two girls (and, of course, Misty). We get deal our cards in life and we have to play them. I was very fortunate because my biological father died when I was three months old so my dad is actually my step-dad, but you would never know. I even look like him (smile!)

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    2. HI MaryJo, it was a lovely surprise to discover that Rebecca had selected this particular poem to read. My dad is such a wonderful man and we all love him to pieces. I nursed him through a pulmonary embolism last year this time. He couldn’t be admitted into hospital because of Covid so I had to give him the blood thinning injections and medications at home. We nearly lost him and it was a most terrible time. He is much better now and his heart is very healthy. They doctor said he’s made one of the best recoveries he’s ever seen.

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      1. Robbie, I’m so happy to hear this triumphant story about you and your father. Rebecca does have a delightful way of surprising us with her selections. 🙂

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    1. Thank you Darlene for your support and encouragement. And thank you again for your recommendation to read Mitch Albom’s, “The Time Keeper”. I found it and am now reading it. Here is a quote that spoke to me: “We all yearn for what we have lost. But sometimes, we forget what we have.” Mitch Albom, The Time Keeper

      Liked by 3 people

  11. Listening for the second time, as I write.
    This is simply lovely, written lovingly, and recited beautifully.

    Although I’m currently reading a book of poetry and there are a more than a few on my pile, I’m excited to read several of Robbie’s children’s books, in the Sir Chocolate series.

    I might pull Robbie’s books ahead of a couple, as I think it would be a fab break from adult books.
    Great choice, Rebecca.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I am so pleased that you joined me in Beacon Hill Park to recite Robbie’s poem with me, Resa. I enjoy reading children’s books – the life lessons resonate no matter what age we find ourselves in!! What I love most about the Sir Chocolate series is that there are two authors – mother and son. How fabulous!

      Liked by 5 people

    2. HI Resa, it’s lovely to see your here. Rebecca has the perfect voice for reciting poetry, she captures the nuances and mystery of the words beautifully. Thank you for your interest in Michael and my Sir Chocolate books. We hope you enjoy them.

      Liked by 3 people

  12. Thank you, Robbie and Rebecca, for introducing this poem to me, and so well read! I was reminded of my father, such a very caring and loving man! And, I also remember your father (and my husband) who spent his life caring and helping those who needed love and care. This poem is lovely, I have read it more than once. And, I believe this poet has a book full of poems as lovely as this. This will be on my list for purchase! !

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Thank you so much for listening in and for your lovely comments, Bette. Robbie has a brilliant way of capturing the essence of why fathers are so important in the lives of their children.

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  17. How wonderful to listen to you read Robbie’s poem, Rebecca. You have such a beautiful voice that brings the poem to life. I enjoyed Robbie’s book and remember this one from the read. Congrats to Robbie!

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    1. Thank you for joining me in reciting Robbie’s poem. I love to hear the sound of words thrown into the air. Once the words are spoken, they seem to energize a room. Reading poetry in a garden or forest is especially meaningful to me, because I sense nature hears and welcomes the recitation.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Robbie’s poetry resonates with emotional nuances that touch the soul and recall memories from long past. Thank you, Jan, for your heartwarming and encouraging comments. Very much appreciated.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree wholeheartedly, John!!! When I first read the poem, memories of conversations with my father came back full force. I was so pleased when Robbie gave her permission to recite this poem. I follow Robbie’s YouTube Channel and enjoy her poetry recitation, which add so much to my reading pleasure.

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