“He Walks Away” by Robbie Cheadle

Image Credit: Robbie Cheadle

From the first day
he took a tentative step
on uncertain chubby legs
attached to adventurous feet
he moved away from her
embracing with enthusiasm
the mysterious outside world
 
She watched over him tenderly
as he learned about life
discovered the joy of friendship
and the heartbreak of loss
embarked on his academic journey
exploiting his strengths and
overcoming his weaknesses
and during all this time
mom was always enough
her smile healed all wounds
her kiss cured all pain
but she knew in her heart
that this investment of hers
was ultimately for another
a nameless faceless other
who would eventually take her place
she was preparing him to leave
and find his place in this world
 
His independence draws ever closer
her smile no longer enough
as he jostles for position
in the heartless world of men
her kiss no longer wanted
as he seeks the lips of the other
 
It’s heart wrenching to let go
knowing he must suffer pain
before he finds his enduring love
encounter setbacks and loss
before success and satisfaction
but it’s the duty of a mother
to set her son loose
to fly alone 

Copyright © 2024 Robbie Cheadle
All Rights Reserved

“He Walks Away” is from Robbie Cheadle’s book Behind Closed Doors. This is the Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Behind-Closed-Doors-Robbie-Cheadle-ebook/dp/B09BBR94NC

The poem is about Michael Cheadle’s milestone birthday. Robbie made him this special life-size cake.

Robbie made this life-size birthday cake for Michael’s 18th birthday!

We hope you can access this video about this amazing cake.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZZggdlROHjA?si=DzQcVWwrlRLQm8AA

Award-winning, bestselling author, Robbie Cheadle, has published thirteen children’s book and three poetry books. Her work has also appeared in 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 ten 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’s blog includes recipes, fondant and cake artwork, poetry, and book reviews.

Robbie Cheadle’s books are available here and Amazon.

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