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The Singing Bowl
Malcolm Guite's eagerly awaited second poetry collection includes poems that seek beauty and transfiguration in the everyday; sonnets inspired by Francis and other outstanding saints; poems centred on love, parting and mortality.
A further group, 'Word and World', searches for the life of the spirit in the midst of modernity and includes an ode to an iPhone, while others wrestle with the problem of evil and the difficulty of prayer.
Throughout, the poet seeks to celebrate the world of which he is made, find heaven in the ordinary and echo a little of its music.
A further group, 'Word and World', searches for the life of the spirit in the midst of modernity and includes an ode to an iPhone, while others wrestle with the problem of evil and the difficulty of prayer.
Throughout, the poet seeks to celebrate the world of which he is made, find heaven in the ordinary and echo a little of its music.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 5, 2024
I know Guite mostly through his sonnets, and seeing him experiment with other forms was a delight. As most of my favorite poets are long deceased, I am feeling very glad to live in the same time period as this wordsmith.
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"Be gentle with them, Memory" (42)
Be gentle with them, Memory,
My sad companions.
Give them your quiet fields and country walks,
Long nights of careful love
And sunlit mornings filled with idle talk,
With babbling of lovers.
Redeem them from all bitter words
And hurtful silences,
Recall my unpleased friends to amity.
And, Memory, at nightfall close their eyes
With tender breath and happy whispering
With quiet laughter fluttering in the dark.
"Julian of Norwich" (82)
Show me O anchoress, your anchor-hold
Deep in the love of God, and hold me fast,
Show me again in whose hands we are held,
Speak to me from your window in the past,
Tell me again the tale of Love's compassion
For all of us who fall onto the mire,
How he is wounded with us, how his passion
Quickens the love that haunted our desire.
Show me again the wonder of at-one-ment
Of Christ-in-us distinct and yet the same,
Who makes, and loves, and keeps us in each moment,
And looks on us with pity not with blame.
Keep telling me, for all my faith may waver,
Love is his meaning, only love, forever.
"We coin the hollows of your beaten face" (91)
We coin the hollows of your beaten face
And hang your agony in hall-marked silver,
Display in church your prosperous embrace,
Fast in the golden cross a diamond splinter.
We must efface your crucified reproach,
Betrayed by pains beyond our sympathy;
Your agony has cast beyond your reach
A world beyond the reach of agony.
Christ, we must make you distant, splendid, rich,
We cannot live with your humanity.
-----
"Be gentle with them, Memory" (42)
Be gentle with them, Memory,
My sad companions.
Give them your quiet fields and country walks,
Long nights of careful love
And sunlit mornings filled with idle talk,
With babbling of lovers.
Redeem them from all bitter words
And hurtful silences,
Recall my unpleased friends to amity.
And, Memory, at nightfall close their eyes
With tender breath and happy whispering
With quiet laughter fluttering in the dark.
"Julian of Norwich" (82)
Show me O anchoress, your anchor-hold
Deep in the love of God, and hold me fast,
Show me again in whose hands we are held,
Speak to me from your window in the past,
Tell me again the tale of Love's compassion
For all of us who fall onto the mire,
How he is wounded with us, how his passion
Quickens the love that haunted our desire.
Show me again the wonder of at-one-ment
Of Christ-in-us distinct and yet the same,
Who makes, and loves, and keeps us in each moment,
And looks on us with pity not with blame.
Keep telling me, for all my faith may waver,
Love is his meaning, only love, forever.
"We coin the hollows of your beaten face" (91)
We coin the hollows of your beaten face
And hang your agony in hall-marked silver,
Display in church your prosperous embrace,
Fast in the golden cross a diamond splinter.
We must efface your crucified reproach,
Betrayed by pains beyond our sympathy;
Your agony has cast beyond your reach
A world beyond the reach of agony.
Christ, we must make you distant, splendid, rich,
We cannot live with your humanity.
April 25, 2015
"For I myself am clay that breathes and talks/Articulated earth, I move and pray/Alive at once to walk and be the way."
This is another fine collection of poems. My favorite Guite poems are actually in this book (as opposed to Sounding of the Seasons) but on the whole, there were fewer poems in this book that I enjoyed. His words make the whole world more meaningful and beautiful. He is a master of the subtle but accessible poetry that stirs you and gives you a glimpse of a world beyond. I would expect nothing less from the man who wrote the brilliant work Faith, Hope, and Poetry. I'm officially a fan!
This is another fine collection of poems. My favorite Guite poems are actually in this book (as opposed to Sounding of the Seasons) but on the whole, there were fewer poems in this book that I enjoyed. His words make the whole world more meaningful and beautiful. He is a master of the subtle but accessible poetry that stirs you and gives you a glimpse of a world beyond. I would expect nothing less from the man who wrote the brilliant work Faith, Hope, and Poetry. I'm officially a fan!
October 29, 2020
Malcolm Guite is quickly becoming my favorite living poet. He is willing to use rhyme and meter in an age where this is often seen as passé or childish. Yet he writes beautifully, feelingly, imaginatively. In this collection you will encounter poems that bring transcendence, heartache, and more. I cannot recommend this collection enough.
November 25, 2015
I love this book. All of it. Malcolm Guite is one of my favorite poets of any time or place. This collection is especially sweet because of the variety of poems. It includes a sequence of poems on The Divine Comedy, and also "C.S. Lewis," Descent," and the wonder-filled title poem, "The Singing Bowl." A feast for ear, and eye, for heart and soul.
July 29, 2020
A rich and stunning collection of poems. Guite is a master poet who revives and revitalizes classic forms of poetry for contemporary readers. Deeply human and deeply spiritual, a soul stirring read!
February 9, 2024
I love the premise of this collection - "find[ing] heaven in the ordinary and echo[ing] a little of its music" - and its beautiful opening poem has deeply resonated with me. Its encouragement to "begin the song exactly where you are" is a mantra that I will take with me throughout life.
I must say though that I enjoyed some poems much more than others. I loved the odes to various places in the first section, and this section contains my favourite poem by far of the collection, "Cowper's View, All Saints Hartford", which deals movingly with the experience of dark seasons and the solace we can find in remembering those who came before us. But many other poems/sections fell flat for me. Admittedly, this might be because I'm unfamiliar with many of the references to other literature, particular places, and characters in church history that are peppered throughout the collection.
Stylistically, I didn't mind Guite's use of metre, but I would have preferred some more variety of form. Nearly all the poems are written in iambic pentameter, and while this rhythm gave some poems like the titular one a lovely feel, it did begin to get old for me after a while. I really appreciated the sparse places in the book where Guite experimented with other forms. For this reason, the final section, which includes a sequence of sestinas and another of terza rima poems, was one of the highlights of the collection for me.
Overall, I think The Singing Bowl is definitely worth a read. Some will enjoy Guite's stylistic choices more than I did, and any reader will find some gems throughout the collection. Those gems will be different for different people, but it's worth a look to see what you'll find.
I must say though that I enjoyed some poems much more than others. I loved the odes to various places in the first section, and this section contains my favourite poem by far of the collection, "Cowper's View, All Saints Hartford", which deals movingly with the experience of dark seasons and the solace we can find in remembering those who came before us. But many other poems/sections fell flat for me. Admittedly, this might be because I'm unfamiliar with many of the references to other literature, particular places, and characters in church history that are peppered throughout the collection.
Stylistically, I didn't mind Guite's use of metre, but I would have preferred some more variety of form. Nearly all the poems are written in iambic pentameter, and while this rhythm gave some poems like the titular one a lovely feel, it did begin to get old for me after a while. I really appreciated the sparse places in the book where Guite experimented with other forms. For this reason, the final section, which includes a sequence of sestinas and another of terza rima poems, was one of the highlights of the collection for me.
Overall, I think The Singing Bowl is definitely worth a read. Some will enjoy Guite's stylistic choices more than I did, and any reader will find some gems throughout the collection. Those gems will be different for different people, but it's worth a look to see what you'll find.
December 2, 2025
Malcolm Guite’s The Singing Bowl will not remain the only one of his books I’ve read. His poems are of such pure expressions of the heart that every piece is a delight. There are moments of quietude, as for example in “Hatley St George”, bits of counterculture, as in “Cloud-Hidden, San Francisco”, or subtle and gentle sensibility, which we feel in “Muse” or “Lapis Lazuli”. Guite has the gift to see clearly what matters, and also, to show it. There are few writers who could pen rather short stanzas describing a saint each in a way as one would introduce an old friend, in a way that may put a big smile even onto a hardened Protestant’s face.
Of his generation, Malcolm Guite might be the best Christian literary poet — if not the best literary Christian poet.
Of his generation, Malcolm Guite might be the best Christian literary poet — if not the best literary Christian poet.
October 5, 2023
Absolutely spectacular. I'm looking forward to revisiting this one.
December 27, 2013
Singing bowls are believed to have originated in the Himalayan region at least ten centuries ago. A singing bowl is actually a standing bell, designed to rest on a solid surface with the open end facing up, which is played by either striking the rim with a padded mallet or rubbing the mallet around the rim. The resulting sound is a fundamental frequency (also known as first harmonic), the lowest tone produced by an instrument, with two harmonic overtones usually audible as well.
In Buddhist practice, singing bowls mark the beginning and end of a period of silent meditation. They may also signal a change in activity, or simply mark the passage of time. More widely, singing bowls are used in many cultures worldwide in religious observances, yoga practices, and various types of music and sound therapy. Their tones are believed to promote relaxation, personal well-being, and healing.
Each of the poems in this volume, as well as the collection as a whole, serves in some way as a singing bowl, resonating on a number of levels, inviting exploration of different tones and ways of hearing words, prompting reflection, and creating a space for quietness in which healing may begin.
In Buddhist practice, singing bowls mark the beginning and end of a period of silent meditation. They may also signal a change in activity, or simply mark the passage of time. More widely, singing bowls are used in many cultures worldwide in religious observances, yoga practices, and various types of music and sound therapy. Their tones are believed to promote relaxation, personal well-being, and healing.
Each of the poems in this volume, as well as the collection as a whole, serves in some way as a singing bowl, resonating on a number of levels, inviting exploration of different tones and ways of hearing words, prompting reflection, and creating a space for quietness in which healing may begin.
December 31, 2025
In order to understand why I love this book so much—and I do—you probably need to be familiar with Malcolm Guite. Maybe you know him as a professor and one of the world’s experts on Tolkien and C. S. Lewis among many others. Maybe you know him as an Anglican priest and college chaplain. Maybe you know him from his popular online videos in which he discusses history and literature and poetry while casually smoking his pipe in his study. Or maybe you know him as a poet, in which case you probably already know all about this book.
But to understand his poetry is to understand the man. In many ways, he seems like a representation of a simpler (and dare I say better) time so many of us seem to have lost or forgotten, and that sensibility shows through in his poetry. For one thing, he tends to stick to traditional forms like sonnets. And if not sonnets specifically, though those are a specialty of his, he at least tends to stick to metered poetry in rhyming verse. So much of modern poetry has lost sight of these forms, I love his work just for reminding us of what poetry used to be!
And yet, despite traditionalism of form, and often of subject matter, his work has a timeless quality that feels simultaneously old and new. These poems range from the humorous to the heartfelt, and this is quite honestly one of the finest collections of verse I’ve ever read. It’s a true treasure.
Generally, I’d recommend reading a book of poetry a little bit at a time rather than all at once. I do recommend that here. But I think you’ll find yourself falling into the same trap I did, that you simply can’t put it down. As such, you’ll want to read it straight through like I just did, but then keep it close at hand so you can return to it with regularity.
But to understand his poetry is to understand the man. In many ways, he seems like a representation of a simpler (and dare I say better) time so many of us seem to have lost or forgotten, and that sensibility shows through in his poetry. For one thing, he tends to stick to traditional forms like sonnets. And if not sonnets specifically, though those are a specialty of his, he at least tends to stick to metered poetry in rhyming verse. So much of modern poetry has lost sight of these forms, I love his work just for reminding us of what poetry used to be!
And yet, despite traditionalism of form, and often of subject matter, his work has a timeless quality that feels simultaneously old and new. These poems range from the humorous to the heartfelt, and this is quite honestly one of the finest collections of verse I’ve ever read. It’s a true treasure.
Generally, I’d recommend reading a book of poetry a little bit at a time rather than all at once. I do recommend that here. But I think you’ll find yourself falling into the same trap I did, that you simply can’t put it down. As such, you’ll want to read it straight through like I just did, but then keep it close at hand so you can return to it with regularity.
February 10, 2023
It feels perverse to slap a star rating on a collection of poetry. I will, though, in hopes that it will help someone else to find this book.
The Singing Bowl is my first encounter with Guite. His way with words is worthy of his acclaim.
Some portions (almost all of Part 5, for example) draw on literary references and Anglican figures lost on me because I just don't know the references.
Some portions (almost all of Part 6, for example) quickly drew me into prayer and grief and hope with their beauty.
And some portions are just good fun. "On being told my poetry was found in a broken photo-copier" is a standout, and a good example of the way Guite repeats phrases from different angles to catch another facet of their insight.
The Singing Bowl is my first encounter with Guite. His way with words is worthy of his acclaim.
Some portions (almost all of Part 5, for example) draw on literary references and Anglican figures lost on me because I just don't know the references.
Some portions (almost all of Part 6, for example) quickly drew me into prayer and grief and hope with their beauty.
And some portions are just good fun. "On being told my poetry was found in a broken photo-copier" is a standout, and a good example of the way Guite repeats phrases from different angles to catch another facet of their insight.
December 3, 2021
If you don't already love Malcolm Guite, please learn to. His poetry has a lyrically, a pregnant musicality birthed out of a love of song and a magnificent appreciation of melodically inclined poets like Tennyson, Heaney, and Eliot. And alongside this phonetic imagination, Malcolm employs an emotional and spiritual maturity which will move the new reader of poetry and delight the experienced one. In the first poem of this book, Malcolm describes the act of creation as "Timelessness resounding into time," and that is exactly what he does. Malcolm re-sounds the timeless: rich, delightful, new.
April 29, 2024
I really enjoy the poetry of Malcolm Guite and was excited to get this book. I looked forward to reading the poems every morning, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed his “takes” on the saints - Julian of Norwich, George Latimer, St. Benedict, etc. I found the poems generally increased in richness as the book progressed, and read the final long poem on the Inferno twice before declaring it “read.”
This book won’t be shelved, but kept nearby for frequent skimming and contemplation of favorite verses and arresting lines. I have starred, underlined, and dog-eared many pages to which I will return.
This book won’t be shelved, but kept nearby for frequent skimming and contemplation of favorite verses and arresting lines. I have starred, underlined, and dog-eared many pages to which I will return.
May 3, 2021
This is an amazing collection of poems from a truly gifted poet. Luminous and inspiring, Guite has such a relatable yet miraculous feel to his writing— very inviting, inclusive and all the good things... drew me in and left me astonished, stirred up and wanting more. This is my first real connection with poetry and I adore it! Thank you Malcolm.
April 12, 2024
bought this because I met Malcolm Guite in person and loved a few of the poems he read. Those few were magnificent. I think theres about 7 poems in this book I took a lot from- Guite limits himself to a strict form in order to draw from it, which sometimes works in his favor but more often than not results in incredibly derivative work
July 23, 2024
A collection of Guite's poetry, on everything from death to Dante, communion to Julian of Norwich, PTSD to weddings. I loved some and wasn't terribly captivated by others, but overall, it is a collection very much representative of Guite's poetical gifts. If you enjoy his other works, you will enjoy this one.
March 12, 2025
Interestingly, some of these poems were breathtakingly beautiful, while others I was clueless about. Clearly I've had a very different life and education to not know the saints and locations the poet referenced. I've definitely enjoyed more his poetry about the church calendar and the psalms. I know this was an issue with me and not with his writing. It's lovely, but sometimes left me confused.
July 6, 2021
A treat to read and re-read. I’ve loved reading this with some folks in my parish, and Guite invites the reader to dwell in places and texts that otherwise could be pretentious or elite, but here are not.
February 27, 2022
Beautiful poetry. This collection is not as “Capital D Devotional” in nature, although his themes always weave the sacred with the everyday.
There are some heart breakers in here. I’m not sure I’ll recover from the “Six Glimpses”.
There are some heart breakers in here. I’m not sure I’ll recover from the “Six Glimpses”.
June 9, 2025
3.5 stars
I'm someone who is still learning to love poetry. I really like Malcolm Guite and enjoyed his advent poetry collection. This one was a little harder for me with no guidance through the poems. Some of them I loved, some of them I didn't, and a lot of them I didn't really "get" I guess.
I'm someone who is still learning to love poetry. I really like Malcolm Guite and enjoyed his advent poetry collection. This one was a little harder for me with no guidance through the poems. Some of them I loved, some of them I didn't, and a lot of them I didn't really "get" I guess.
February 6, 2021
What else can I say? It’s Malcom Guite.
February 27, 2023
Malcolm Guite might convert me from preferring solely freeverse poetry. He nails the forms he chooses and uses them to their full effect.
April 23, 2023
Amazing poetry, depth of thought, and splashes of hues seldom seen today.
August 16, 2023
Not every poem hit as deeply, but those that did literally took my breath away.
December 8, 2023
I love Malcolm Guite. He is one of my favorite authors, but this was not my favorite of his poem collections.
January 28, 2024
Excellent - will definitely be revisiting
October 7, 2024
A beautiful collection of poems, down to the last line.
March 21, 2025
Sometimes ponderous -- slow and heavy but full of thought and meaning -- sometimes a racing dance, a light-footed magic trick I wish I knew how to imitate. Always full of light.
October 18, 2025
3.5 stars
October 19, 2025
Malcolm, if you’re reading this— will you be my grandpa?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews