Thoughts about Pipes
A pipe is a tool for philosophers, theologians, poets, and most often for writers. Except for those who make YouTube vids about pipe smoking. Pipe smoking vids can be made by most anyone, but are created most notably by pipe shop owners. They are for conversationalists or just for those who want to relax. Pipes these days are rarely seen in public. I used to think of the spirits rising from a bowl of a pipe.
But maybe what rises from a pipe are thoughts from long ago as a pipe connects us to centuries of tradition. A pipe unites the common man or woman to great men and women who also smoke pipes. It is a bonding that unites rather than divides. Even if the pipe smoker is in the company of non pipe smokers. Others smell the aroma of a pipe and all those around a pipe share a commonality.
My wife commented on my comment the other day when I said I am calmest with a pipe. My pipe doesn't care, but she does. Of course, we laughed about my comment. At least I think she did. My pipe still requires attention. She does too. But my point is that I'm not sure anything is equal to a pipe as an inanimate object and I'll leave it at that. People in our lives can't really be replaced but a pipe can be. My saying this makes me feel better.
I have said many times I'm not an evangelist for pipe smoking. A pipe never replaces people. I know objects can be replaced, but not people. Although I have fifty years with pipes, I haven't been married that long. My first pipe might be the oldest object I own. So, obviously there is some attachment there. I might have a few things that are older, but very few.
I began smoking a pipe seriously back in the 80's. At first I was just dabbling in the hobby. It was after I left ministry that I began to seriously smoke a pipe. I'd go to a pipe shop and learn all I could because I wanted to be a serious pipe smoker. I gave up pipes for just a little while thinking they were too much of a hassle. I then decided cigars were too expensive and dangerous to my health. I went back to pipes and never looked back.
A pipe is a life-long friend, like people in my life I have a few pipes that are close to burning out. I don't smoke them, but they're still in my collection. I don't believe I've ever discarded a pipe. I've given a few away and I think one of my sons has one. I think of a pipe as I see myself, the older it is the better it gets. At least I believe this about myself. My family might have a differing opinion of me. A new pipe becomes like an old friend in a very short period of time. But pipes are like kids in a family. They're each different in their own way.
Really though, it's a gentleman or gentle woman that smokes a pipe. Pipe Smokers have an unwritten rule. Don't discuss politics or religion while smoking a pipe. It's truly a gentleman that smokes a pipe. I work hard at being an "old" gentleman. My pipe adds to the desire. Even when not smoking a pipe I work hard at being a gentleman. I can still be grumpy at times, but that makes me work harder at becoming. My pipe helps in this regard. I welcome anyone to smoke with me or just join in quiet conversation as I smoke.
I haven't written much lately about the subject. I'm always in search of something to write about. A pipe adds a dimension to my Spirituality that I might not have otherwise. I'm open to welcome those who want to try it. But I think a pipe simply adds to a good conversation. At least I think it does. It added a lot to my writing this morning. Today it is my Tim West pipe with some Captain Black Original and a hot cup of black Guatamalan coffee. Thank you for your time and Peace to each one of you.
Dave
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