Burning Butterflies: Poetry About Southern African Flora and Fauna

by Robbie Cheadle

Butterflies are interpreted, inter alia, as symbols of transformation and change, hope and rebirth, spirituality, the soul, creativity, nature, beauty, and resurrection. Faced with the annihilation of much of the planet’s forests, wetlands, and other habitats for wildlife, all the wonderful things that butterflies symbolise are gradually being destroyed.

This book celebrates Southern African flora and fauna, while acknowledging the threats it faces.

Genres: Poetry

94 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children's books, written and illustrated four poetry books and written and illustrated one celebration of cake and fondant art book with recipes. 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 Robbie Cheadle's artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/

Reviews

[Sally Cronin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a stunning collection of poems and images by someone who is clearly passionate about Africa, its lands and wildlife. Accompanying many of the poems are stunning photographs and beautiful art work by the author.

Each of the sections celebrates the magnificence of both, with the emphasis on the majesty of great beasts down to the small birds which inhabit this incredible but often challenging environment. They are constantly threatened by variable weather patterns, drought and human’s encroachment on the land and their impact on their habitat.

However, this is definitely a celebration of the power and diversity of nature. We are treated to a privileged peek into the lives of these amazing creatures in an eclectic range of poerty forms. Not just those on the land but in the air and the sea as well.

Difficult to isolate favourites but these poems certainly drew me in.

Lone Elephant
Sounds of African Night
Leopard Feast
Small Bee-eater
Bird of the Sun -The Lilac Breasted Roller,
Undeterred (about the acacia tree)

In the section Nature Chaos we are reminded of mankind’s role in the challenges facing the land and wildlife of Africa, not just through the erosion of their habitat but also the obsession to interfere with nature’s bounty with genetic engineering.

PAINTING THE ROSES BLUE (FREESTYLE)

We’re painting the roses blue
Not with brushes and oils
But with genetic engineering
Rushing in, where angels fear to tread
Transgressing the laws of nature
Haldane’s Rule nonchalantly disregarded
The consequences of hybridisation ignored
With deliberate, well-thought-out steps
We’ve ‘agriculturised’ grain crops
Financial gain for few ensuring they’re seedless
While recklessly spreading our own seed
Ensuring endless hungrily waiting mouths
Perfect setting for a ‘Day of the Triffids’ reality show.

*We’re Painting the Roses Blue is a twisting of the song from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland. Painting the roses red didn’t have a good outcome for these ‘card people’.

Most will never visit Africa in person, or enjoy the wonderful scenery and wildlife, but Robbie Cheadle in her work, and again in this collection brings their beauty and their challenges to life vividly. I highly recommend.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Butterflies by Roberta Eaton Cheadle is a vibrant poetry collection where nature hums, sings, and sometimes warns.

Cheadle gifts us a rich tapestry of 69 poems delicately grouped into themed sections: animals, birds, plants, and nature. With thoughtful photographs of the author interspersed throughout, the collection reads like a personal walk through her poetic garden,one filled with observation, affection, and, as with Cheadle's work, the occasional sting of truth.

Cheadle’s love for the natural world (reflected in her other books) echoes clearly in her themes here too. Animals dominate much of the volume, natural extension of her previous work’s motifs, but it’s in the sections on birds and plants—especially birds, my personal favorite—where her eye for quiet detail and layered meanings pierced.

The tone throughout shifts between wonder and warning. Her poems can be tender as birdsong or sharp as a wasp’s sting, mirroring the wildness and fragility of nature... and humanity’s uneasy place within it.

Poems I loved:
"Painting the Roses Blue"
A bold, dystopian riff on the whimsical "Painting the Roses Red" from Alice in Wonderland (as in the poet's notes), this poem shuns fantasy for the grim realism of genetic tampering. Its form is urgent, freestyle, matching its theme of broken natural laws. The references to Haldane’s Rule and “seedless grain crops” fuse science and art, exposing the consequences of tampering with biology. Cheadle warns not with hysteria, but with cool, deliberate words: “Transgressing the laws of nature." The poem simmers with quiet dread, the tone is resigned—a sign, perhaps, of how normalized such chaos has become.

"Purple Passion"
A masterclass in poetic irony, this double ennead opens like a food lover’s reverie: trays of figs, sumptuous purple skins. But it quickly spirals into discomfort. The reality behind the sweetness is revealed: these are not fruits but “masses of flowers and seeds” fertilized by dying wasps. Formally, the poem is contained, like the fig itself, a vessel of beauty masking death. The tone is reflective, shaded with unease. Cheadle excels at drawing readers in with sensuous imagery only to unsettle with a hard biological truth.

"Bee Eater"
At just a few lines, this micro poem offers a snapshot of peace: bee eaters basking in the sun, vigilant and content. The mood is observational. Cheadle captures a moment of balance between predator and prey, between stillness and movement. Her language is plain, almost haiku-like, reinforcing nature’s simplicity when left untouched.

"Shepherd’s Tree"
A striking image of cohabitation: a shepherd’s tree and a termite mound grow into one another, each providing for the other. Although the structure is minimal, its message is profound. In a few spare syllables Cheadle conveys symbiosis, resilience, but also the way life in harsh climates finds harmony. With reverence.

Burning Butterflies is a quiet triumph, where the brevity of form often belies the complexity of meaning. Cheadle’s style is accessible yet layered, her mood often swinging from serene to ominous but with a deft hand. These poems don’t just observe nature; they ask us, the readers, to reconsider our relationship with it.
Highly recommended for readers of contemporary eco-poetry, and for those who find beauty in truth, even when it stings.

Burning Butterflies reminds us that in nature—just as in poetry—every small thing carries weight.

A KU read

[Smitha Vishwanath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining, informative read that raises awareness of South African Flora and Fauna

I enjoyed reading this interactive book. I have read the author's previous book on South African wildlife, in which she raises awareness about endangered animals in South Africa while providing information about them, their habitats, etc, through poetry.

'Burning Butterflies', like its predecessor, is also about South African wildlife but covers subjects and aspects not covered in the previous book. If I had to describe the book in one line, it would be, ' A well-written, informative, interesting and interactive poetry book which is also a quick, enjoyable read. '

This is a book that should be read on Kindle. I'm not sure if the paperback version is available. Reading on Kindle allows the reader to check the links to videos that the author has recorded of various safaris she's been on. Reading the poems and watching the videos brings the book to life, and it feels like a motion picture.
The author also shares photographs taken by her and her beautiful artwork, which makes it an entertaining read.
The 91-page book is divided into 4 sections: animal poems, bird poems, plant poems and nature poems. The poems are short and easy to understand. There are freestyle poems, parodies, poems written in shadorma, tanka, cinquain and micro poems.
I had no idea before reading the book that hyenas have a bigger heart relative to their body size, or that they can outrun a lion or that the spotted hyena is the loudest animal on earth. Among the many interesting facts I learnt from reading this book is that Cheetah cubs mimic honey badgers to prevent being attacked, zebras appear bloated due to the bacteria in their gut, they live in a harem - many females with one male and honey badgers are extremely fierce. Reading this book made me Google honey badgers.

It would make for an amazing book for parents to read to little children and for primary school and middle school children. Like the author's previous book, 'Lion Screams', this book also has a wealth of information packed in easy-to-understand poetry. References made in the poems specific to the region or relating to myths and legends are explained immediately below the poem, making it easy for readers.
It's a good read that highlights the beauty of nature, gives it a voice and urges people to do their bit to save it.

The Buffalo (Rensaku)

I loved the imagery in this poem. The words were enough to imagine the morning scene - tell me if you disagree.

thick cloud of red dust/ obliterates morning light / great herd on the move/undeterred by watching men/water scent allures

along water's edge/animals line up in rows/ sun reflects off horns/ attracts sharp eyes of lion/ prowling to soothe hunger's edge

[Marsha Ingrao · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbie ignites the fires of passion for preserving the lives of precious animals in South Africa through her book, Burning Butterflies. You fall in love with buffalos, lions, elephants, warthogs, giraffes, and many others that need our help to continue existing in the wild.

Without understanding the symbolism associated with butterflies, this title might seem confusing when considering the large animals found in Africa. However, when Robbie explains, "the symbolism of transformation and change, hope and rebirth, spirituality and the soul, creativity, nature, beauty, and resurrection," the meaning becomes clear. The soul of the heart of Africa is burning.

Robbie shares her intense love for animals through her verses, paintings, photos, and videos, creating a captivating, immersive experience. This is a book you can return to and read over and over, or just read about your favorite animals. I love her sense of humor and her playfulness.

For example, giraffes stand and stare just like cows do in California. However, in Africa, they watch lions.

"quarry
compelled to stare
just like human tourists
do they think they'll escape using magic"

I hope they do.

Life Lesson

"we can learn from animal friends
deception
an unknown
together they all sustain
the cycle of life."

What Shall We Do with the Feathers?

(I have an idea, don't you? The picture above the poem depicts a leopard. The photos that follow the poems are of their cousins, the house cats. (hmmm) Robbie has no fear of exposing the harsh reality of animals eating other animals, but she sometimes shares from their point of view, as seen in this poem.

"My human snatches up the long-poled pool net
Scoops the bundle (a baby bird) out of the water
Out of the corner of my eye
I watch her rub it dry
She sets it under a flower in a pot
Bonus!
There is no accounting for her stupidity
She leaves..."
I had to laugh.

Did you know that buffalo are skittish? They sound like my puppy, Goldie, who jumps at every sound or flying insect. As Robbie's poem on Story Chat Digest mentioned yesterday, you don't want to get on the wrong side of them.

I also enjoyed all the photographs. The wild animals pose for her, even going so far as to fall asleep on the sand when she's nearby, taking pictures. Does Robbie know no fear? I would not advise trying what she's done if you head over to Africa on a photo shoot.

You will love this book. I guarantee it!

[Freya Pickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible volume of poetry by Cheadle about her homeland in South Africa.
Amongst the stark warnings about climate change and the extinction of many species, Cheadle works in beautiful imagery of light and shadow. From the colour of a big cat’s fur, to the actual shadows cast by moon and sun, to the symbolic shadows of global catastrophe that permeate the entire collection.
Cheadle is an accomplished poet utilising many different forms of poetry including; Double Ennea, haiku, tanka, shadorma, freestyle, rhyming verse, garland cinquain and many more.
I was thoroughly delighted to find a number of poems written to songs I love such as Elephant Scare (sing OMD’s Enola Gay while you read it) and Sounds of African Night (sing Disturbed’s version of The Sound of Silence to this poem!)
What I love about Cheadle’s poetry is that she doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of life and death on the veldt. It’s such a relief to read poetry that doesn’t pander to the rather odd view that is so common that “nature is cruel”. Cheadle shows, very clearly that nature has an excellent way of balancing itself, how prey and predator co-exist in harmony. The only cruel things on the planet appear to be humans who kill for pleasure and very often don’t even eat or utilise what they’ve terminated.
The purpose of Burning Butterflies is to “share information about southern African animals and flora” and it does just that. If you love poetry about nature and climate crisis, you will find this collection uplifting and inspiring.

[Jan Sikes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two words come to mind regarding this amazing book of poetry, art, photographs and videos and those two words are "Passion" and "Creativity."
This author's love for and deep abiding concern for the African wildlife that is on the verge of extinction due to man's greed and disregard for their precious habitats is expressed in poetic form as well as personal photographs
In this collection, the author takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery and knowledge.
Each magnificent creature is given a voice through these poems. Here is one example about elephants:
An end to your days on this planet is approaching
Due to human encroachment and mindless poaching
It's hard to understand the penchant for hunting tournaments
Even less, the human desire for ivory ornaments.

I always learn from this author. Did you know 'tower' is a collective word for giraffes? I do now.
I love the poems and photos of the female lion and her cubs. There's even a video to watch their play. This poem describes it:
long night
mama's worn out
but not tiny girl cubs
who play fight and practice
stalking life skills
There is so much contained within the pages of this book. If you are a lover of nature and all its splendor, the fragile balance that must be maintained for all creatures to survive, you will no doubt enjoy this amazing book. I highly recommend it. This book is not meant to be read, but absorbed.

[D. Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar to Cheadle’s poetry collection “Lion Scream,” her latest book is a testament to the raw beauty of South Africa’s wild animals, birds, and plant life, as well as the danger they face due to loss of habitat and climate change. In her foreword, the author shares her mission: to educate readers about Africa’s natural treasures and share her concerns about their survival. Some, like the Atlas Bear of West Africa, are already gone—forever.

The book includes Cheadle’s poetry, artwork, color photos, and short video links. My very old Kindle can’t follow links, so I read the book on my phone, and it was well worth it. Much of the poetry is educational, sharing the physical features, habits, family life, and other facts about different species.

The collection is divided into four parts: Animal Poems, Bird Poems, Plant Poems, and Nature Chaos. It includes free form and syllabic poetry, micro poems, and song parodies. Some of my favorite pieces were: “Lone Elephant,” “Leopard in the Rain,” and “Sleeping Lion.” A beautiful poem, titled “My Love” (a heptastich) seemed to wrap up the theme of the collection for me.

My Love

untamed
gold and orange veld
rolling in autumn-colored waves
symbolic
of Africa’s savage spirit
therein lies its beating heart
my love

I highly recommend this multimedia collection of poems, artwork, photos, and videos, to both children and adults who are fascinated by African wildlife.

[Dawn Pisturino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this collection of poems about threatened wildlife in South Africa made me realize how lucky the author is to live near these magnificent creatures and watch them in their native habitat. The idea of losing them forever is unthinkable. Yet, human development, climate change, and demands for trophies, safari experiences, and traditional medicine are driving them to the brink. After fifty years of environmental awareness, the message isn’t sticking.
We need people like Robbie Cheadle—writer, poet, artist, photographer, and activist—who devote their skills to advocating for the rights of the vulnerable among us. Even if threatened species instinctively understand their plight, they can’t speak up for themselves, influence legislation, or enforce laws. They can only react when provoked, hunted, and harmed.
Cheadle’s original poems remind us of the beauty and nobility of nature, as well as the numerous benefits we derive from interacting with the natural world. Yes, nature is cruel as predator and prey reenact the death dance over and over again. But each dancer understands their role in the cycle of life. Humans are the ones who don’t play by the rules.
Augmented with photos and artwork by the author, Burning Butterflies is a delightful read. I highly recommend it and give it a solid five stars.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a kaleidoscope of syllabic poetry, free verse, art, and pictures. Cheadle’s love for wildlife and her astute observation shine through ‘Burning Butterflies,’-- a magnificent symbol of transformation and hope. Highly informative and evocative, her poems inspire us to reflect on mankind’s attitude toward flora and fauna. It also lays bare the grim reality of the harm that is being done to the natural environment.

Cheadle’s poems acquaint us with the playful nature of animals, exhort us “to learn from animal friends,” and treat them with respect.
She warns, “Let the natural world remain
Or we’ll all implode in the burning.”
She uses anaphora to emphasize her point –
“Shout, make your point heard,
Shout, many voices cry out
Save the black rhino
Shout
Our voices cry out…”
“Act now – Save lonely black rhino
Act now – Save lonely black rhino.”

Cheadle’s poetry is intense yet accessible, informative, and stirring. The imagery of ‘River Fun’ and ‘The Buffalo’ made me pause and there are many such poems that need to be read again and again to understand her love for animals and birds.

I’ve read the book on my laptop to absorb the beauty of artwork and admire the stunning pictures of wild animals in their natural habitat. I would call it creativity at its best.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Through The Soul: Burning Butterflies By Robbie Cheadle
June 13, 2025~ Brenda Marie Fluharty ~ Edit"Reading Through The Soul: Burning Butterflies By Robbie Cheadle"


Reading Through The Soul: Burning Butterflies By Robbie Cheadle
I recently read Burning Butterflies by Robbie Cheadle, and it’s a collection that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. This isn’t just a poetry book—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the natural beauty of Southern Africa, its fragile ecosystems, and the emotional connections we share with the environment.

Nature as a Living Canvas
The poems in Burning Butterflies are vivid and immersive, painting landscapes and wildlife scenes with both awe and urgency. The title poem, “Burning Butterflies,” is especially powerful—a haunting metaphor for the loss of biodiversity and the fleeting beauty of life. Robbie uses the butterfly not only as a symbol of transformation but also of fragility, making us reflect on what’s at stake in the natural world. Continue https://writingthroughthesoul.org/202...

[Colleen Chesebro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Butterflies is a visceral collection of poetry that highlights the plight of the South African wildlife and how climate change affects the habitats of the different animals. The butterflies symbolize the flora and fauna that are slowly disappearing from a world of rising temperatures and sea levels.

The story is told through photographs, original pieces of artwork, poetry, and statistics that help put the plight of the animals into the limelight. Cheadle connects to the natural world through her poetry, giving the readers a glimpse into a world that is unknown to most of us. She provides links to YouTube where you can see many of the animals in their natural habitats.

If you’re looking for an unusual read that transports you to another land, this book makes a wonderful selection.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, “Burning Butterflies”, offers insight into Southern Africa with stunning art, photos, and poetry. The paintings are stunning, and the personal pictures allowed me to immerse myself in a place I’ve never been. The words, though, not only entertained but educated me about animals I’ve only seen in the zoo. Plus, Ms. Cheadle followed up poems with additional details which I appreciated. I don’t want to pick a favorite poem because I felt like they worked together to tell a story. Worry is expressed for survival for some and how others survive. Plus, there’s a focus on the environment and what grows and blooms there. I can highly recommend this fantastic collection for those who not only care about our planet but love poetry, art, and nature.

[Gwendolyn Plano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Butterflies is a collection of poetry, artwork, and descriptive details that takes the reader on a journey through South Africa. The author’s commitment to the environment and the wild inhabitants is visual and visceral. How could it not be – this is the author’s home, and her love for it is everywhere present. This was an eye-opening read.

[Teagan Geneviene · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly extraordinary volume. It pierces through heights and beauty and depths of despair, with the inimitable touch of Robbie Cheadle. A blazing commentary on the state of things.