My Tolkien Pipe

In this episode I tell you about a favourite pipe and its associations with Tolkien and read you a poem of my own about Tolkien smoking. Here's the text of the poem, meanwhile, if you are enjoying these you might want to pop over to my coffee house page www.buymeacoffee.com/malcolmg... sometime and buy me a coffee, but of course there is no obligation, meanwhile here is the poem I read in this episode:
Patterns (Tree and Leaf)
Tolkien is leaning back into an oak
Old, gnarled, distinct in bole and burr
As, from the burr and bowl of his old pipe,
Packed with tightly patterned shreds of leaf,
The smoke ascends in rings and wreathes of air
To catch the autumn light and meet such leaves
As circle through its wreathes and patter down
In patterns of their own to the rich ground.
Again he contemplates the tree of tales;
The roots of language and its rings of growth,
‘The tongue and tale and teller all coeval’
And he becomes a pattern making patterns,
A tale telling tales and turning leaves,
From the print of thumb and finger on his pipe
To the print and press and pattern of his books
And all their prints and imprints in our minds,
Out to this grainy patterned photograph
Of ‘Tolkien, leaning back into an oak’.

[@microstrader]

Later, fallen in battle and dying, Théoden's final words are to Merry on the battlefield on the Fields of Pelennor: "Live now in blessedness; and when you sit in peace with your pipe, think of me! For never now shall I sit with you in Meduseld, as I promised, or listen to your herb-lore."

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes, that's one of my favourite lines in LOTR

[@willburke8373]

That was one of the relationships I wish they developed more in the films (also Faramir and Eowyn)

[@endy7432]

Something about watching an old man smoke a pipe while reading Lord of The Rings lore is extremely calming to me. I believe I can genuinely use this as stress relief.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

glad to be of service!

[@QHarefield]

Old man?? Don't be fooled by the beard on the bard - he's a mere youngster! But the rest I can agree with! ;-)

[@thinginground5179]

@@QHarefield I say it’s a good compliment. The elderly hold wisdom

[@AndalusianIrish]

I totally agree. I find Malcolm's videos very calming. Although he is a very smart man you never feel like he is talking down to you.

[@englishmanpipesmoker3425]

You make me so relaxed watching you read and talk while smoking the pipe. Very comfortable to watch. I smoke my pipe all while watching you ❤

[@KitCalder]

That really is, if you'll pardon the expression, a hell of a room.

[@chazlouis645]

I want a musty room full of books and pipe smoke. Sitting in a leather highback. Enter all ye who dare

[@hayeswaylon2514]

instaBlaster

[@marc4199]

What a treasure this gentleman is. Imagine how splendid it would be to have him as your grandfather.

[@susanhannon7596]

Or a companion

[@superkool7]

I’d love to just sit and have a chat and have him tell the adventures of his life.

[@antr7493]

HAHAHA when he put on his glasses when they were already on. I like this channel. Great topics.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you like them!

[@Bizagro]

I find myself now, older, reflective and enjoying a good pipe whilst thinking upon hobbits, Gandalf and mythical things. It sooths ones soul to keep dreaming into the smoke of relaxation.

[@Fleeticus]

I must confess that I have absolutely no personal interest in pipe smoking but the way you speak and describe it keeps me entranced.

[@lewisgoldberg5445]

"Oh, I already have my glasses on." Classic. 😂 And probably just a result of being excited to share what you read.

[@TheGreatDearLeaderJimPickens]

This video is so immensely peaceful. It fills me with such a sense of calm and enjoyment and I don't even smoke. Whenever I want to be engulfed within a sense of uttermost calm, I come back here.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks

[@alexnozar1552]

Never in my life have I wanted to hang out with someone more. You seem like a capital fellow, my good sir.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

glsd you found me

[@snesmonkey]

what a lovely Opportunity to escape the hum drum of modern life and escape into the golden paragraphs of Tolkien....long live the pipe!

[@sonicfreak04]

I love how this is just a classic gentleman enjoying his pipe in his study

[@russasher6962]

Legitimately Soothing Like an Old Friends Warm Home Warmth from beyond the Hearth

[@bahoonies]

With the perfect ambience you have created between book-filled study, pipe and your soft, compelling voice, the only thing missing is a wizard's hat just waiting for you to don before setting off on your next great adventure. Time to light up my old Kapp and Peterson churchwarden which I've owned for about 50 years.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

That was a great poem, well versed, well read. I find lasting peace in God and that allows me to have moments of peace in other things.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Indeed, as Lewis says, put first things first and you also get the second things thrown in!

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

@@MalcolmGuitespell “…and all these things shall be added unto you.”!

[@paul5403]

I was actually 19 years old when I read my first book . That book was the 3 books of the lord of the rings . I like you was totally enthralled by the world of Tolkien . The connection to trees especially held a deep meaning to me . There was so much in those tales that moved me but I didn't understand until later in life the significance of this . When I accepted the lord jesus Christ as my saviour I slowly over the years began to see how the message of salvation and the gospel of Christ was coming at me from so many sources . There's a book I read called ( reforesting faith ) by Mathew sleeth which tells of the significance of trees throughout the bible . It's a very interesting read . I really do enjoy your videos and you've just inspired me to add a church warden to my pipe collection. Thank you and God bless you .

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes I think tolkien also prepared my mind for a return to faith

[@shevetlevi2821]

Thank you Malcolm. Watching this made me feel peaceful. I'm going to light up my churchwarden pipe on my balcony this evening, maybe with smoked bourbon on the rocks next to me.

[@cherokeegypsy2617]

Very fine atmosphere... smokey, booky, doggy at feet...what more could be desired of a writer's life than this and world peace?

[@hyjynx7476]

i know its old and i adore the video but when you first placed your hand in your pocket i expected the one ring to come out :)

[@rhydsnow851]

I'm going to binge your channel, Malcom; you're the kind of man I hope to be.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

welcome aboard

[@tombarac8253]

I have the picture you're mentioning here on wall in my sleeping room. Love his face expression on it. I believe it was taken by one of his children. First thing I did was turning on lights and checking picture does he have a pipe or not. Mind works in many miraculous ways. He did have a pipe, just we don't see it. It is metaphysical just like poem of yours. Anyway I am sure that he smoked pipe on the exact same spot sitting in the shadow of that ancient tree while reading and writing, writing and reading.

[@pipesetc.5608]

Thank you for the entertaining video. Few things are as enjoyable as relaxing with a pipe and letting one's mind wonder. Tolkien was a great facilitator of this. Take care...

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@northernfires440]

So many pipe smokers can trace their root ambitions for smoking a pipe, in large part to Tolkien. I know I certainly do! And nothing in this world is more pleasurable than sitting down with one of his books, with a pint and a pipe. I enjoy your channel immensely!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes, pipe smoking is one of many good things Tolkien has shared with the world!

[@str8shooter159]

I get fond memories when smelling good pipe smoke. I often think back to good childhood memories while smoking a pipe and i do enjoy a good book whilst smoking my pipe.

[@BadgerOfTheSea]

I adore the Humphrey Carpenter biography as Carpenter is, in his own right, a fantastic writer. I read it while on a coach to London from Sheffield on my way to a friend's birthday party, and back again the next day. To me Carpenter's prose is like eating thick warm honey.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

yes, he's a very good writer!

[@Bogcyndi]

I felt peaceful watching this, and appreciated the poem. The introspective gentleness you produce, I feel is very much needed in this world of ours at the present time. Brings back memories of my father who was a dedicated pipe smoker all his life and I have continued the tradition. I have subscribed and look forward to other videos. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

glad to have triggered those memories!

[@thomasbrown8468]

They told me of the little people that live in these hills around the underground springs and caverns. I just fell in love with lite and hobbit. Grew up on belief that this was real and I still like to imagine it. Mines all up under me

[@andrewwilson3327]

I’m really glad that I popped round. Thank you. Andrew

[@NubbyBananas]

One of the most serene, calming, and most wonderful experiences I’ve had for a hell of a long time. Thank you :)

[@salaahalmutairi9652]

I truly admire your character and content on this channel, wishing you long and healthy life. Greetings from Saudi Arabia.

[@halloweennerd4076]

What a great poem and awesome pipe. Love your room and all that's in it. Best wishes.

[@Luka2023-]

What a wonderful poem and video to share, there’s something magical about witnessing other peoples love of the good professors work

[@Liam-yr4uf]

While saying tobacco itself is bad is a moot point, certainly I think the act of smoking a pipe is relaxing, and so, therapeutic.

[@mikeutube011]

Your poem is absolutely beautiful! 🙏

[@joshuajberger]

Thanks for bringing us into your study. I find inspiration from your videos and poems. And confirmation to one day have a study and library so rich with tales, poetry, pipes, and such things.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, and I do hope that one day you have such a study!

[@Deadpoolhead888]

I love this man! I don’t even know anything about him but he looks so sophisticated with his pipe and I love the content matter he’s talking about. Really awesome book and considering how old the book really is it looks like he has taken great care of the book and I loved it when he tried to put his glasses on and realized they were already on. Bro just kept right on rolling and didn’t let that stop him!

[@jazzlehazzle]

You're so interesting to converse with (or would be in real life)! And I love your easy, sensible choice of words in such a way that normalizes things which in my less-literate American youth culture are things for which we still too-often get teased, to our whole culture's detriment. Here we see that of course these are just everyday things one thinks about and does in a well-read society. Thanks so much for your example! And what a beautiful, brilliant poem. Wow! The world needs more Malcolm. Cheers!

[@Scotch5ailor]

What a treasure to have found this channel.

[@EricBryan]

Beautiful reading of a beautiful poem. It came to life in my mind as you read it and I could see every vivid line. Wonderful!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hurrdurr78]

Thank you for this video. Your story about Tolkiens last foto and the pipes on the other page was very amusing!

[@interstellaroverdrive3658]

My first foray into pipe smoking was inspired by the 1984 Granada Sherlock Holmes series with Jeremy Brett.

[@WeKnowPipeSmoker]

I enjoyed this so much. I too love the pipe and went and found my old tankard to sip some ale and smoke my Peterson while being invited to sit and listen to you read. This is so refreshing. Thanks so much. I’m in America, but my mum was born and raised in England. I spent so much time in England and after getting married and having kids it’s been about 20 years since I’ve been back. You are a great of fresh air. I’m so glad to have found this channel. Thanks again so much Mike

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

glad you're enjoying it

[@gratefulpipeandcigar3239]

Excellent.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks!

[@PaladinPiper]

Wonderful. Simply Wonderful.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Many thanks!

[@thomasbrown8468]

So lovely.

[@Rekaert]

I have to admit I associate Churchwarden pipes with Tolkien. I have a couple of them, pretty small bowls, but fun to smoke and pretend for a moment I'm sat in the Shire overlooking Hobbiton and the lazy comings and goings of the folk there.

[@Venoxisguides]

This channel is a real treasure, i'm glad i found it.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard!

[@PadrePiper]

Such a great video you’ve posted, my friend. Thank you for sharing this poem, pipe, and pleasure with us.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for listening

[@carlarthur4442]

Wonderful video. Thank you 😊.

[@kaivandepitte688]

I’m convinced Jack Black should play Malcolm in a film. Not sure what about but definitely should. 🤙🏽

[@therenaissancepiper]

Simply brilliant! I too was in part inspired to take up the pipe at a very young age by the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. My maternal grandfather also enjoyed the briar and leaf and it was he that gifted me my first pipe at the age of 16. I miss him dearly and think of him often.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

how lovely to have a pipe passed down the family like that!

[@paddypup1836]

You mention Seamus Heaney on some occasions. My mother wrote a letter to him a few years back stating my brother was a big fan and was getting married in the USA (Irish immigrant) His reply was late in coming, but when it did he actually rang our house and left a voicemail!! Then sent a signed poem. We had no connection to the man. Such a nice man. Rip

[@JLbeatsandstuff]

Sir you are so cool to me! My friend says id love to hear a story from this man while a nice warm stew cooks in the kitchen on a rainy and thunderous day!

[@javonjohnson3878]

love this

[@sandrofazzolari8833]

Splendid 🙏

[@Ragamuffinpiper]

I agree that I too, seem to associate some if not most of my.pipes, with certain places or people. When I write with pipe in hand, it takes me into a place in-between this world and another one, a place where I can converse with God and listen; really listen and let the thoughts and memories guide my pen on paper. It is without a doubt, a sublime pleasure to be in that place, pipe smoldering and a notebook to remember why I'm there. Blessings brother.

[@taz473]

Love your videos ❤

[@MarkEGreen-rf4on]

Good morning Malcolm, I've just caught your video before going out to work. Carpenter's biography of Tolkien is very good and factually accurate read. Apparently, Tolkien used to smoke Will's Capstan navy cut, a mild to medium smoke. J.B. Priestly, a very heavy smoker, wrote an piece in 'The Saturday Book' on pipe smoking, in which he comically refers to the errors of smoking a pipe like a blast furnace, if my memory serves me correctly. Your videos are always entertaining and cheer us all up during these testing times. God bless and keep well.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks. Nice to be reminded of Priestly - yes there are so many literary references for pipe smokers!

[@vajrakantor]

Thank you dear man

[@amanrelaxes]

That poem was really enjoyable. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@smiah1990]

I was also introduced to the world of pipe smoking by Tolkien’s works. Thanks Malcolm.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks, I wonder how many of us he's introduced!

[@richqualls5157]

I truly enjoy smoking my pipe listening to you read. I would love to see you read from some of your favorite literature.

[@civick2052287livecom]

I can watch you talk and smoke all day!

[@thinginground5179]

Just found this channel. The pipe is great!

[@mr.sherlockholmes6130]

Malcolm your a gentleman and a great Author . Thank you for your Great videos . A gentleman always . Your so Amazing and your knowledge is Amazing. I hope your well . Life is short thank you for your precious times . God bless you Sir. Your channel is the best . I hope this finds you well. I am smoking a pipe listening to a master telling us a tale . Your friend Scott Dickens Tennessee

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@jjklaus7656]

I’m a new subscriber and I love your videos/content. Tolkien and pipe smoking are passions of mine as well. I currently have 4 Peterson’s and just acquired my first Dunhill. I was wondering what is your favorite tobacco to smoke? Thanks again for your videos. I’ve really enjoy them so far!

[@JDSilverTobaccoPipes]

WONDERFUL!

[@k.t.1641]

That was beautiful. Such a delight listening and smoking my pipe as well.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

ah, glad to know that you were smoking along as it were!

[@Steve_the_Radroach]

The Grey Pilgrim is ever content with his pipeweed and his texts of lore I see

[@TheMagicianPiper]

That was great. Loved this video. So relaxing.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you so much!

[@hamzahmohammed5491]

Just subscribed to your channel...not quite sure WHAT it is just yet but this video is all I need to know that I’m gonna love it...you sir are both a muse and aesthetic!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome aboard! I'm not sure what it is either!

[@hobbitonpiper]

What a wonderful video! Thank you for sharing this with us, so relaxing :)

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@vjazz79]

A wonder poem & Ambassador of pipe smoking

[@thomasbrown8468]

Yes 👍 a pleasure to see I’m not the only one

[@Beekeeping4midwest1]

I have set life goals after this video

[@Musrusticus6890]

I too, in my last house and as a much younger man, would sit on a summer’s eve in my little garden and smoke a bowl with a glass of beer whilst reading that very part. Oh good days…

[@Pipemonkey]

Excuse me sir, I’ve only just discovered your channel, I’m so glad i did. Thanks for reading aloud this lovely poem, you had me from the first line. You have been subscribed to sir I can wait to watch more of your posts. Thank you my friend 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome!

[@mistervacation23]

Kids, which brings me to my next Point don't smoke crack !

[@dominellofrescobalino6895]

Indeed, a little wonder world! Congratulations on this philanthropic quarter of an hour! I liked it! Greetings and best wishes from Vienna, Helmut

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for visiting

[@brianheffernan8982]

I just found your channel and I love it. Greetings from Columbus, Ohio.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Welcome!

[@JasonB1969]

Your video: First firing of a new pipe, and some Tolkien appeared in the recommended list on KZbin and so as I have an interest in the writings of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien I have subscribed to your channel. In regards to the smoking of pipeweed, the scene in the film adaptation of The Hobbit when Gandalf calms the nerves of Radagast by offering him some Old Toby is a good one. I'm currently re-reading The Silmarillion and I've yet to start reading The Children Of Hurin.

[@b.b.holmes8255]

Just great

[@piercebrosnan9528]

This is so based.

[@mightybluespider]

The Algorithm is, as I define it, an artificial yet malevolent beast. It occassionally serves, however, by bringing me learned men of grace such as you.

[@godfreycarmichael]

Your copy of Fellowship of the Ring looks much loved.

[@chazgross4519]

Malcolm Greetings from across the pond. This has to be my favorite video of yours. Other than when you play the guitar and sing. I too was inspired to pick up a pipe just as I was headed off to college by the front cover of Carter's Bio. I thought I was the only one that did it as I've never heard anyone mention Tolkien in this context. I'm 59 now so that was a few years ago. After the first year of study and all the social activities the pipe and I just drifted apart. There is indeed a photograph of Tolkien leaning back into the old oak from same photo shoot as the one you showed. As I recall the one of him leaning back was used as the American cover of a paperback of the series Authors Of The 1970's. God Bless Be Well

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks!

[@Christopherjamesmurphy21]

Well if the wonderful theatrical masterpiece that is of the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings wasn't enough for me to start smoking a pipe. This video and appreciation of Tolkien's work, sure is. Thank you sir.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

thanks!

[@GraveDawgg]

I look up to you a lot, your a man I want to end up as. I feel lost in my young life but watching your Videos I feel gives me guidance, god bless you

[@puffinclouds8534]

Very interesting sir.Great video,and a lovely pipe

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thanks for watching

[@FITTMANN]

You are a Masterful Wizard 🧙‍♀️ Wonderful channel and videos.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you 🤗

[@Nighttrainpiper]

Really enjoy your videos, sir!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you like them!

[@J-DSPIPEDREAMS]

Great video thank you sir, my wife and I just started our YTPC channel, its allot of fun, hope you had a great Christmas.

[@thomasbrown8468]

Been looking for one of these

[@playerone2772]

I love him and Tolkien both

[@marclayne9261]

I love this channel....

[@danielosullivan3110]

Leprechauns repair the fairies boots ☘️

[@TRPufnStuf]

Great video. I also like Tolkien. I love your look. As if you would fit right into the Shire. Good stuff.

[@nikolasprince1604]

Fantastic video. You really remind me of my brother

[@reemssmeer-maar-dan-omgeke9028]

thats beautiful