Gray’s Elegy

In this episode I show you a nice edition and read you a piece I wrote myself about Gray’s Elegy.
Many thanks to all of you have encouraged me in this endeavour, and made up for the covid-cancellation of so many of my gigs and readings by popping round to buy me a coffee. It's much appreciated. anyone who'd like to support the channel in this modest way can do so here - thanks. www.buymeacoffee.com/malcolmguite

[@carolinafine8050]

“And beyond it.. an opening door and the welcoming light of home.” Beautiful.

[@jwlrose]

There's a cemetery in my city, about a half-hour walk from my house. Throughout the pandemic, I've been making the hike regularly. I figured there would be less people at the graveyard than at the park. so my initial intention was to walk in a place where I could be "socially distant." But, as I kept returning, I thought more and more about the people who's names mark all the gravestones (who they were, what they did, what their stories are) and the lack of people at the cemetery became less about me being "socially distant" and more about the loneliness of the dead. It's a place that gets one thinking about mortality, and love, and closeness - not "distance." So, I appreciate this conversation about Gray and the connection he is making with the struggles of those who rest at the site. I'm definitely going to find this and read it. Thanks.

[@kurtisneilmcinnis8353]

Thank you again for your reflections. Certainly “chill penury” limited the good these “rude forefathers” might have done, but it also “confin’d [the] crimes” of others. “Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; / Along the cool sequester'd vale of life / They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.” In this way, penury and lack of opportunity were mercies on those who might have strayed and on others who might have suffered. Such lines cause me to reflect on the beauty of the simple life and the restraining hand of God.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks

[@douglasskinner]

As you were reading a pang of humor and pain struck me. I was not raised near Stoke Poges or where you live. I was raised in Southern California--Manhattan Beach. My formative years were spent in our version of public schools and on sandy beaches during California summers. The two emotions arose from the fact that I had not Gray's Elegy but Gidget! I wouldn't have had the slightest idea of who Gray was or what (or who) an elegy was. I had no nearby churchyard with mottled head stones. The closest I got was Disneyland--The Magic Kingdom. My depravation (if that's the right word) was not due to the "chilled penury" Gray speaks of. We were prosperous. More likely it was due to days spent under hot sun basted with Coppertone or Sea & Ski. There were no books in our house. My parents didn't recite poetry to us, we watched Perry Mason and Gunsmoke, and Cheyanne, Rawhide, Cartoons, and so forth. My poetry was serial television. But all was not lost!; because sitting next to me as write this are three volumes from an 1856 edition of the "British Essayists" collection consisting of Johnson's Rambler. I have read and loved these essays for over 30 years. They were my first foray into 18th century literature and they gave me the confidence that I could read and understand a writer who lived long before my time. You see, Southern California kids of my generation were not taught to read anything that was not contemporary and in all cases had to be modern, lively and fun. I've now come across your readings and I mark down your titles to follow up on. Thanks and Christ's Blessings to you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

so glad you had that book of essays!

[@douglasskinner]

@@MalcolmGuitespell Thanks. Sorry I went on so much!

[@mattrich680]

High School tried once to convey Gray's Elegy; Girls, cars, and cigarettes won out. But an inkling remained, fermenting; now You have given the poem some clout

[@RedcoatsReturn]

Astounding English mastery I read….just now…which brought overpowering visions to my mind…and how! Vivid words of mood and twilight scenes, though lit so dim…I could witness all he told…as were I there…and…with him 😊

[@DanielKellyFolkMusic]

Congratulations on passing the 5000 subscriber milestone Malcolm. I hope the sorrow of your parting from Linton will be somewhat muted by the many hours of recorded time in your study you have now captured for many generations to come.

[@69telecasterplayer]

Thank you so much for another wonderful time of poetry and your musings. I have your book and read along with you. It is sad indeed about those who spent their lives in poverty and lacked the opportunities with which we are surrounded today in America. We have many that live their lives every day literally surrounded by opportunities that they never look into. Much of it is offered freely to them with great cost to others. Pray for us in America.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

indeed

[@JoseCavendish]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful poem

[@nagolhayze9366]

Thank you Malcolm, beautiful insights into an atmospheric and inspiring poem. Ps. I vaguely remember this poem from school days, the first line definitely rings a bell ...

[@robertjaggs-fowler6795]

A wonderful poem, and one of my favourites. My 'Elegy for Rural Life' (page 13 of 'On Quarry Beach') was partially prompted by thoughts of Gray's Elegy whilst walking in the Yorkshire Dales a few years ago.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

excellent. and many thanks for your books by the way!

[@davidbrown5962]

If in the Adam The paths of glory Lead but to the grave, In the Christ The paths to the grave Lead to the glory.

[@theendofeverything6356]

I've just discovered your channel sir. What a pleasure. You might enjoy some of the poetry readings and monologues on mine. Cheers!

[@hermesnoelthefourthway]

Mr. Guite, I've written two narrative poems, The ballad of boo boo book, and, In praise of Virgil's Aeneid, which I perform and have put on my channel. I would value your opinion of these pieces. I'm an actor and a playwright, and in all humility, I believe my work should be reaching a higher audience. Best wishes, Noel

[@Nifty50Trader]

Romantic age

[@jedediahheinle9670]

Great job!!! Could you advise me some others writers like Sir Walter Scott's style ? Keep save and blessed!!!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Scott was a poet before he was a novelist - try Coleridge