Roberta Writes – Esther Chilton’s Writing Challenge, Thursday Doors Writing Challenge and the Pilanesberg Volcanic Crater #poetry #photography

Uncategorized 2 Minutes

Esther Chilton’s writing challenge this week is special place. I know this wasn’t what she had in mind, but this is what came. You can join in here: https://estherchilton.co.uk/2025/05/07/writing-prompts-64/

Special Place

There’s a special place in my heart

I keep just for you

My youngest, my sunshine boy

The one I kept alive

Through determination and willpower

Every word you say

Every action you take

I wrap in fine tissue

And store in my special place

Where they will be with me always

My treasure trove of memories

Little one,

You are my greatest achievement

This is my eighth poem for Dan Antion’s Thursday Doors Writing Challenge which you can participate in here: https://nofacilities.com/thursday-doors-writing-challenge-2025/

Picture caption: The above photograph inspiration was provided by the remarkably creative Resa whose amazing blog you can find here: https://graffitiluxandmurals.com/2018/03/27/ocean-life/

Blocky Mindset

“Your style is blocky,” my art teacher said

I was offended by this remark

A misunderstanding; on reflection

He is actually quite right

My art style is blocky

To match how I conduct my life

I paint in small sections of colour

Mapped out in advance

According to my plan: I’ll do this bit today

I don’t jump about like other artists

Each piece is created separately

And is self-contained and complete

Just like everything else in my life

If you are interested in my creation process for my painting: Lion Amid Flowers, you can see my post on my art blog here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/lion-amid-flowers-painting-process-acrylicpainting-art/

Pilanesberg Volcanic crater

The Pilanesberg mountain is an ancient volcanic structure, circular in shape, that rises from flat surrounding plains. It is formed by three concentric ridges or rings of hills, of which the outermost has a diameter of about 24 km.

According to https://pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za/about_pilanesberg/:

“The crater of a long extinct volcano, where Pilanesberg is set, is a fascinating alkaline complex produced by volcanic eruptions some 1300 million years ago. It is one of the largest volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature.”

It was very cold the morning we stopped at the viewing point for the Pilanesberg volcanic crater lake for tea.

Picture caption: TC and I in front of the lake and volcanic mountain ring view
Picture caption: The temperatures dropped so quickly the lake was steaming

This is my Youtube video of the mountain volcanic ring:

This is a YT short of the same setting:

Unknown's avatar

Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

Published

97 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Esther Chilton’s Writing Challenge, Thursday Doors Writing Challenge and the Pilanesberg Volcanic Crater #poetry #photography”

  2. It’s amazing how much your landscapes look like ours. We have a lot of ancient volcanoes and lava fields.

    Like

    Reply

  4. Some very diverse activities going on here. The poem for your son was lifegiving. Oh to be loved in such a fashion! Your art style is yours- that’s the whole dang idea! And once again you have bowled me over with the scenery!

    Like

    Reply

  9. Hey Robbie, I loved “I paint in small sections of colour”—such a vivid metaphor for both art and life. These poems feel quietly powerful, each word lovingly placed.

    Much love,
    David

    Like

    Reply

  12. “Special Place” touched my heart, Robbie. You expressed your love so visually through the words. That door! Wow! I had to look twice to actually see it. And loved your Blocky style poem. 🙂 Great photos of the volcanic area!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Beautiful poetry and photos, Robbie. Thanks for mentioning that this is the eight. I need to make sure I got them all in the list.

    PS, I kinda like that approach to painting, and I am very fond of your artwork.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Love your beautiful poems but especially the one for your son, Robbie. It deeply resonated. ❤️
    I like how you describe your approach to creating art. Love the photos too.

    Like

    Reply

  18. Special Place touched my heart as a fellow parent. Never underestimate the bond between mother and child.

    Like

    Reply

  19. Wonderful post Robbie.

    Your first poem for Michael is special, most touching!

    Thank you for using my door for a challenge. Blocky sounds good, especially the way you put it in terms of an art style. I need to get to Dan’s and see the submissions. First I want to go to your art blog.

    I’m sewing my response. I’ve got 4 doors in it.. so 4 outfits. 1 is finished, 2 are almost finished, and the other one is just getting started.

    Yahoo!

    Like

    Reply

  22. Such a beautiful landscape!
    And your love for your son is obvious.
    I’ve had many interesting comments on my art. You are remaining true to who you are, which is exactly the right response. (K)

    Like

    Reply

  26. I loved both your poems. The first one really touched me. What a treasure. It was also interesting to learn about the Pilanesberg volcano. I don’t know if this relate to you in anyway, but today a big group of Afrikaaners arrived here in Dallas. Essentially white refugees from South Africa. There are a lot of South Africans here.

    Like

    Reply

    1. HI Thomas, I do know about those 49 white refugees. I believe another 150 have applied to take up Trump’s offer. Another drain of brains from South Africa but our government is very prejudicial towards white people and there are ratios in all the institutions and public companies. There is also the crime and the farm murders which are very real issues.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. Your life feels rich and full, Robbie, and your poetry reflects that. It’s wonderful! I hope that Michael is ok? Your shared talents must create the strongest bond xx

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi Jo, Michael has a long history of illness and he has been sick recently, but I am hopeful. His illness has created the bond and a dependency. I try to develop his poetry and art talents as a way from him to express his emotions.

      Like

      Reply

  36. What a fabulous post, Robbie. My heart was ‘there’ on Special Place. Honestly, I thought Resa’s photo was a Picasso, and your poem was a perfect match.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to willowdot21 Cancel reply