A pipe, a poem, and a poignant memory

In this episode I talk about my pipes, show you a lovely one by Charles Rattray, and recite a poignant poem by Edmund Waller that was a favourite of my mother’s
Here's the poem I recited:
Old Age by Edmund Waller
THE seas are quiet when the winds give o’er;
So calm are we when passions are no more.
For then we know how vain it was to boast
Of fleeting things, so certain to be lost.
Clouds of affection from our younger eyes
Conceal that emptiness which age descries.
The soul’s dark cottage, batter’d and decay’d,
Lets in new light through chinks that Time hath made:
Stronger by weakness, wiser men become
As they draw near to their eternal home.
Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view
That stand upon the threshold of the new.
If you would like to support and encourage me in making these little films you can do so by popping round occasionally (not every time of course) to by me a coffee and some cake from this page www.buymeacoff...

[@Fiondra]

My goal in life is to be like Malcolm Guite’s mother.

[@dannyboy7715]

The Lord has just lead me to Malcolm. I'm only 40, I've never heard this poem before but it will be read at my funeral I hope.

[@glorisyoung9696]

"Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view, that stand upon the threshold of the new." Lovely.

[@thepipeprofessor]

Each pipe has a special meaning. I tell folks, when they see my pipe collection, that it’s not just a bunch of briars, rather, memories and stories that are on display for all to see. Thank you for sharing your pipe’s story and the poem. Stay blessed my friend.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Well said!

[@gavingaming123]

A huge thank you for sharing such warm memories of your late mother. I was at my fathers side as he passed away last May. I have found great comfort, solace and a space to reflect whilst I revisit childhood haunts and smoke a pipe some of whom were my fathers. Your diction, phrasing and delivery are a delight to listen to. Kind regards from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Garry

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks! I am always glad to maintain my Scottish connections!

[@Nighttrainpiper]

May you long stand on the threshold, sharing your wisdom and love for poetry with the world.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@reneg.4799]

Thank you for this Video very nice memorys

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

It's my pleasure

[@dgalloway]

A lovely reflection, thank you for sharing it and the Waller poem. As a seminarian, a pipe smoker, a lover of prose and verse, and as large bearded man watching your videos gives me a glimpse of a wonderful possible future twenty years from now as an Orthodox priest and perhaps occasional teacher with cozy hobbit hole of an office with books, warm living wood, coffee, and enough pipes to outfit a company of dwarves. I bow my hat to you, Fr. Guite. As we say within my tradition, may your mother's memory be eternal!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks for that blessing!

[@SarahG266]

Thank you for all the poetry!

[@celticsalad6316]

God bless, this is what the internet should be. Minds united in stories and love

[@carolinafine8050]

You have a rough day, filled with so many forms of stress… you start to feel yourself slip into that selfish despair. But then you come across a video like this. You begin to feel something else stirring inside of you. Peace, a proper perspective on things. Those stressors start to crumble into nothing. God bless you for making these videos. They help remind something in me that God is there.

[@user-km1sd7ou3c]

Just beautiful. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you too!

[@theswede5402]

That was a deep poem.

[@johnmulvey5121]

Thank you Malcolm . A pleasure and a joy.

[@warrenstutely7151]

Difficult to thank you enough. !!!! Warren

[@mytzyxptlyx]

Beautiful

[@Turn2burnn]

Thanks Sir. 👍🏿

[@CanYouBio]

Greeting from a younger viewer. Exceptional content.

[@aryashar2542]

LOVE RESPECT FROM A ANCIENT CULTURED CIVILIZED LAND OF THE PERSIANS!!!!!!!!!! IRAN!!!!!!!!! PIPE SMOKING IN IRAN HAS COME FROM FRENCH INFLUENCE. FROM 1905 TO THE LATE 60S IRANIAN STUDENTS WOULD GO TO FRANCE BELGIUM SWISSRLAND.

[@rodmitchell8576]

You have an amazing memory brother. God bless you and keep you.

[@mudlarkingmarionette]

I also learned to live in this world through my mothers head full of poetry ; if I was ever afraid of something she would say ;" greater fleas ; have lesser fleas upon their backs to bite 'em and lesser fleas have lesser fleas and so ad infinitum. This carried me through anybody that would bully me including teachers and also through my working life . The pen is mightier than the sword also one my mother used to say. At 97 she is still here and inspiring me through it all.

[@dalepiper6693]

Wonderful Malcolm, you talk of your late mother with such touching fondness. A fine pipe indeed and a special poem...thank you for sharing such cherished memories.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks

[@davidthompson1622]

Thank you Malcom , lovely, I’m also a collector and smoker of pipes, there’s a well known ‘condition’ among the pipe community, it’s called P.A.D. (Pipe acquisition disorder) , and after watching you enjoying that wonderful Rattrays Nimbus I did a quick bit of research and now have one on order ! , I don’t have a Calabash style pipe in my collection so that was the only excuse I needed ! , I resisted for about half an hour then P.A.D. got the better of me and I look forward to loading it with some good tobacco. Just subscribed too.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

welcome aboard, and its always good to have at least one calabash pipe!

[@kubben16]

Thank You!!

[@TerryC69]

Each and every time I visit this channel, I feel a gentle encouragement to look upon the beauty and wonder of life. In these times, I find it very easy to look out while denying the self. Many thanks and God bless.

[@fishmonger1908]

Rare is the occasion that a KZbin video can moisten my eyes. Thank you, Mr. Guite.

[@aaronball9815]

Dude I love your study!! The books, the pipes, the piled up papers, the instruments, the pictures. It's absolutely amazing. So cozy!

[@JohnRutherford205]

I also recently lost someone close to me, my grandfather died just after the turn of the year following a long illness. He meant quite a lot to me. I'm not a religious person by nature, and neither really was he in his later years, but there's something about the last line of the poem that really makes one think.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@RelaxedpiperYoutube]

Such an interesting and brillant man you are Mr. Guite, cheers and God Bless!

[@jlborish]

Gorgeous smoking instrument and a special pipe indeed. Sorry for your loss. What a beautiful poem? Thank YOU for sharing it. ✌️🍂🔥💨JB

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks

[@chrishumble8171]

I found the poem by Edmund Waller deeply moving; the image of age like a dilapidated cottage that nevertheless lets in the light of time-given wisdom. "Stronger by weakness", as Jesus was as he faced death on the Cross, while drawing to him unlikely people such as the good thief and the centurion. Such an overturning of normal expectations. I was also moved by Malcolm's account of reading poems to his mother in her frailty; it reminded me of the same with my mother in her nursing home towards the end of her life. Despite dementia, she was able to join in as I read, often when least expected. "Break ,break, break, On thy cold gray stones, O Sea!" The poem I best remember is another Tennyson, Crossing the Bar: "When that which drew from out the boundless deep, Turns again home."

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Yes I love both those poems!

[@johnburgess6572]

i'm so glad I ran across you

[@rambling_rob7035]

Can't imagine a mother encouraging her son to take up smoking a pipe. As a pipe smoker myself, I wonder if you have written a poem on the pipe? Thank you, Malcolm. Beautiful Rattray

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks Ive written a poem about blowing smoke rings from my pipe but not yet a poem about that particular pipe

[@adorsey3149]

I love how Malcolm sounds so much like Orson Welles. Each time I hear Malcolm speak, I am reminded of the Alan Parsons Project song “A dream within a dream”. Such a profound and calming voice.

[@christianfoster2433]

So good I had to watch it twice and may just have to dip in and watch it a third time after leaving this note. I discovered you for the first time only last night Mr Guite and can say that not only have you made, and continue to make, your mother very proud but I feel compelled to let you know that the dicovery of your treasured golded soul and your diamond words has enlightened my life beyond all earthly riches. Surely a seat in heaven is already reserved for you next to your wonderful mother as certain as the comfort and peace of the seat you occupy while I watch you recite right now. May clouds from your pipe smoke one day contribute to heavens own canpoy.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

you are most kind

[@christianfoster2433]

@@MalcolmGuitespell And bless you for saying so Sir. Have a wonderful day full of the delights of this current Heaven right here on Earth.

[@Ragamuffinpiper]

What a wonderful memory of time with your mother. My mom was born in the 1920's. An era of folks that were easily, a great generation.

[@mariapierce2707]

I just listened to your "All things in Christ" speech .GOD Bless and Keep you. My dad smoked a pipe I can see him now in my mind... when he smoked it was if he was reflecting....silently...It was his "downtime" after a long day at work. Thank you for bringing your mother to us. Beautiful

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks Maria

[@steenstry]

I am torn by your videos, Father Guite. On one hand, I feel lucky to have this content available to me. On the other hand, I weep for a world where this video has only a few hundred likes.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

well all I can do is leave it out there and see what happens!

[@steenstry]

I will be reading this at my mother's funeral next Tuesday. She was a good Catholic. I hope you will say a prayer for her. Her name is Carol.

[@SpencerLuxBurton]

To have these precious interactions captured thus in video which may outlive many of us. It is a thing to be treasured to be certain.

[@briandoub4866]

Thanks! I smoke my pipe and sip my whisky as you share your poems. I too have a church warden’s pipe that my daughter gave me one Christmas in appreciation of Tolkien. My other pipes are all reminders of my father (still living, thank God), gifts from him. Thanks for sharing..

[@themanabroad7800]

I must admit, I’ve never really read any poetry, or even been interested. But I love listening to you recite poems, relaxes me and I think now that I’m older and I can appreciate it a lot more than in my younger years.

[@geoffthecarpenter]

What a magnificent solem and reflective incite into your life Reverend Malcolm, since finding you on line i have become more calm and reflective within myself thank you. 🙏

[@loveandpeace1985]

Just perfect. I have a few pipes just like my grandfather did. I also have one handmade pipe that my Dad made for me. Thank you for sharing memories about your wonderful mom

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, lovely to have something like that from your dad

[@davidtomkinson1570]

Lovely. I enjoy a pipe when reading and I have the Rattray pipe with the celtic cross only mine is rustic finish. I love the calm and beauty of your videos. Thank you

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, yes that's a good pipe

[@Pipedude1993]

Sorry for your loss pipe friend may God bless her soul rest in peace 🙏🙏👼👼❤️❤️

[@claymcbride9996]

I also would like to be like Malcom . I've greatly in joyed this .

[@emmalouis5615]

I just found this guy, he reminds me of a friend of mine. Looks are similar, the voice is spot on. I think you could do well to make longer videos. I know that's not the done thing nowadays, but I imagine your particular visitors would enjoy. Enjoy your pipe, enjoy your beer, see you in the PP. Thank you

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

welcome aboard Emma

[@ericdingler672]

I was wondering about that pipe. I knew it wasn’t a Pete... Beautiful poem. ☕️💨💨💨

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@craigward7691]

Wonderful......simply Wonderful.

[@VirginiaHanslien]

This was lovely. Thank you so much for sharing a memory of your mother. She was a very special woman and you seem at peace with her death. Bravo!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks

[@imawrench]

Thank you Malcom, for sharing the story of that handsome pipe, and it's meaning to you. As I have gotten older, that poem rings mighty true. I am so happy to have found your channel. I usually light my pipe and share a bowl while you recite a poem or two. Be well, Stephen

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening, glad to know you're smoking whilst you do

[@kletterman]

My condolences. This poem brought a few tears in a good way. Made me remember friends and relatives that have recently passed. Beautiful pipe.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks!

[@rainblaze.]

Thank you so much for this .Very very poignant indeed. If and until we all meet in the by in by of the on here after. Lang may your lum ( and pipe) reek.

[@mattwheelervh]

Thank you for giving us a window into your story & experience. The sweet memories you shared are gifts. And “...that stand upon the threshold of the new”. Remarkably brilliant & rightfully hopeful.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you so much!

[@richqualls5157]

Thank you for always sharing your pipe and poetry with us!

[@lordhogarth]

Having just turned 60, and feeling none too good about it, I found Waller's poem a much needed reminder that the road ahead offers new vistas. Thank you, Malcolm.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@RitterTree]

Usually when I'm watching videos I'm caught in a frenzy and I always speed them up. This has been the first one since I can remember for which I felt the need to enjoy it at its normal pace and I truly did enjoy it. Thank you sir!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@leemcalister4452]

That's a very nice pipe and a very nice book.

[@dave891x]

Wonderful memory and a beautiful poem, brought a tear to my eye. All the best from The Netherlands!

[@Musrusticus-]

A very beautiful little film, thank you.

[@theswede1276]

Thank you for the poem was lovely

[@boyracer3000]

This was powerful, thanks Malcolm.

[@lookouthumanitarian]

That is a very fine pipe and a fitting pipe to smoke while reminiscing about times with your Mum. Keep on keeping on good sir. May your pipe be cool and fine and your beer chilled and your tea hot!

[@carlarthur4442]

Lovely poem , Malcolm and very meaningful ❤️. Thank you 😊 🙏

[@oldandintheway1955]

What an inspiration. Especially if you ever really start to feel like you're old and in the way. My Grandmother loved the scent of pipe tobacco in the air as well. She bought a pipe for me, which I cherish. My Grandfather was an avid piper and they'd sit together at the end of the day to talk. My Grandfather smoking his pipe and my Grandmother loving the scented air. So it goes.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

lovely scene!

[@nealliske7700]

Such a wonderful reflection upon your life, and so well presented: I appreciate your kindness and dedication to poetry and the emotional delivery produced a profound yet simple comforting watmth❤

[@alandoods]

As a Scots man I love this channel I found keep safe and god bless you and hope you smoke many bowls and pipes to smoke

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks, you too!

[@Postmilstill]

Thank you for these. Such a blessing.

[@mbiraside]

Thoroughly enjoyed spending time with you today. I Need to get more pipes and poems.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jurgsbradley342]

The circle of all generations. You have proven once again, to be a very key figure for the grapevine of life. Beautiful, do keep it up :)

[@standinkler5356]

Beautiful poem, thank you for sharing

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

Sir New to your Channel thank you for all you do . Wonder video sir just Amazing. A pipe is a wonderful part of your life it can mean so much to you . Thank you again I enjoyed your content . Life is so short and I am sorry for your loss . Praying for you my friend . Great poems . I am now 54 and never stop learning and I have smoked a pipe for over 30 yrs and have a lot of pipes . I am glad you have great memories of your mom they are special. I am blessed to have mine still here and her and my father are not in good health at all . I now try to cherish all the moments I can . I look forward to watching more of your content. I am a big Sherlock Holmes fan and love his stories Doyle was a Genius. Maybe you can read some Sherlock Holmes and smoke your Beautiful pipe that your smoking there it’s so beautiful. One of my favorite shapes . again saying hello and looking forward to hearing more from you my friend .best wishes always Scott From Tennessee.

[@brianheffernan8982]

I loved the poem, Malcolm.

[@KINGKINGSTON42]

Very emotional video, lots to ponder on.... 👍

[@UnclePhilsCellar]

That was betutiful Malcolm. God bless

[@TheBalconyPiper]

That was wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@crazyivan779]

Another wonderful video. Thank you for sharing!

[@Dawless1]

If you need me, I'll be waiting for you , on the bookshelf....❤

[@armchairpiper]

I love this video. thank you. Ed

[@markwalsh6714]

A lovely video. I almost long to sit and smell the burning tobacco of a pipe. My father and grandfather were never pipers or even any tobacco product. So I feel I’ve missed out.

[@ArkansasMike]

Beautiful poem.

[@EveyQV]

Thank you for sharing your more meditative mood here. What a delight to sit and be able to recite poetry with someone! I am a mystic among the practical folk of truckers and cowboys and hemmed in by bankers and corporate souls. I find I envy you. Honour to the memory of your mother.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@CaLuMaCCa]

Thank you for inviting me into your home and heart. May your pipe smoke ascend beyond the plains of this world, and thence to your lovely mother, until such a time when you may be reunited.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

many thanks for that blessing!

[@Revjonbeadle]

Very beautiful, brother Malcolm.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@joshuajberger]

What a great poem! I am still young yet grapple with aging well. One day at a time with great poetry and great literature is my solution. Thanks for letting us into your study again Mr. Guite.

[@dw2hite]

What a beautiful and moving video. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks

[@stevieb5487]

Like yourself I collect pipes and they all imbue a feeling. My favourite is an Altinok meerschaum Lee Van Cleef replica which I treated myself to as a 'well done' for surviving the head injury I previously mentioned. Every time I smoke it I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have beat the grandiose odds of recovering from a GCS3 coma lasting 3 months where the majority pass away or are left in a constant vegetative state. Lovely video, as always. Much love.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, and thank God for your recovery!

[@GreathMusic]

you are one of the most delightful people I've encountered.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

you are most kind!

[@SO-rj3pe]

Thank you for this. A few weeks back I had asked you about a video addressing your pipes and their meaning. Thank you for sharing sweet memories of loves gone but not lost. Love and gratitude from Utah, USA.

[@SO-rj3pe]

Question, what do you plan on doing with your wonderful books when you’re gone or because you’ll be gone you’ll have someone else figure it out; just curious.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for the idea!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

They'll go to my daughter in the first instance but I may well have given a number away to friends before that

[@b.b.holmes8255]

Lovely video

[@anselman3156]

Oh my memories are evoked-collecting conkers and father's pipe!

[@Wilsonn_esquire]

Immensely moving, sir! I think I've stumbled on a new favorite verse through this video - through, indeed, a new favorite singer of verse - my compliments and thanks.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@oldschool1503ify]

💯

[@jimmilton9682]

Absolutely beautiful. If it’s no trouble, could you recommend good books like the one you just read from? Poems or not, I like the style of those old leathery books

[@3riverspiper1792]

Malcolm, I love the idea of each pipe having a resonance of a specific chapter in your life, and in particular this Rattray's pipe has now it's own place in that library of treasured memories, not as it would have been, if it had arrived before your hurried trip to Scotland, whereby it may be that reminder of your last days with your Mother, fond as they might have been, but as it presented itself on your return South, it now has that status of being a conduit to a 'whole host of happier times ' to which you can travel and share together in each others' company.... The poem you recite is itself to those of us entering our Autumn years extremely poignant, yes, the lines ; " Stronger by weakness, wiser men become As they draw near to their eternal home. Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view That stand upon the threshold of the new." Thank you. also, may I respectfully ask which tobacco you blessed this new pipe with on this occasion? God Bless. Steve.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks, on that occasion I was smoking some Kendall black cherry

[@casspipercassidy4297]

Has anyone ever told you your voice sounds like that of a sober Oliver Reid? Great video man.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I wish!

[@casspipercassidy4297]

@@MalcolmGuitespell you do sir. You do. Thanks for all your contributions. Your style is unique. I’m not a man of poetry, not shallow, but not certainly shy of good culture to some degree. I enjoy the pipe, that’s why I came to your channel. And I discovered it’s so much more ! Many good wishes to you man. Cass. ☘️

[@soheilbozorgivizneh3773]

I watched this in the midnight with a pipe in my hand it was refreshing. (Sorry for my weak English)

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks. your English was fine

[@pipesandcigarsinfrance5342]

Just seen your part for project Northmoor... Will be giving my small few pennies.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, Ive given my few pennies too, I hope it all works out!

[@MarkEGreen-rf4on]

Hi Malcolm, just caught up with your video. I'm feeling rather bereft as l stopped smoking my pipe a month ago as l always get little congested in the sinuses. However, l may start again eventually as the smell of a warm briar is hard to resist! I suppose most pipe- smokers have to put up with one or two side effects. Your videos are always entertaining and instructive. Keep up the good work. God bless.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks Mark, yes Ive had to have occasional spells without the pipe, but its good to return to it at last

[@gabrielbello9715]

Beautiful story and excellent poem Malcolm. Thank you fir sharing both. I’m waiting on my copy of Heaven in Ordinary to arrive, any recommendations on blends to smoke along with it??

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks. I smoke Kendall Black Cherry and also Peterson Deluxe Navy Rolls