Extraordinary Poet of Life and Death

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Thomas Lynch is probably the first American poet to inspire a critically acclaimed television series. The series was “Six Feet Under,” and Lynch’s first book of essays, “The Undertaking — Life Studies from the Dismal Trade,” was required reading for the show’s staff, according to Michael Heffernan,  English professor at the University of Arkansas. Lynch was later credited as a consultant on the show.

That’s only one way in which Lynch is unique in his accomplishments. It’s a safe bet that he’s  the only funeral director with three highly regarded books of poetry to his credit, and the only winner of an American Book Award, given for “The Undertaking,” who has raised racing donkeys in Ireland. He’s a professional and a businessman who sees the poetry in his life; a poet who understands the facts of death.

Thomas Lynch will be reading from his poetry and essays, and speaking of his life and experiences, and perhaps even singing a bit, during a presentation at 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, at Giffels Auditorium in Old Main.  It is free and open to the public.

 Michael Heffernan, a long-time friend and colleague of the poet, describes Lynch as “entertaining and charismatic — a natural showman.” When it comes to describing Lynch’s poetry, Heffernan talks of unique qualities that seem to mirror the poet’s life.

“His experience as a small town funeral director gives him unique insight into issues of death and mortality, yet he’s never macabre. His poetry is not mysterious, but it deals with mystery.  He’s not obscure, but he deals with things we don’t understand yet. His poems follow a course to a discovery that is drawn from observation, experience and heart. You know you’re listening to a poet who knows what he’s talking about.”

Thomas Lynch has published three books of poetry: “Skating with Heather Grace,” “Grimalkin & Other Poems,” and “Still Life in Milford.” In addition to “The Undertaking,” which was a finalist for a National Book Award, he has written two other books of essays, “Bodies in Motion and at Rest,” and “Booking Passage: We Irish and Americans.” He is the funeral director of Lynch & Sons funeral home in Milford, Mich.  He also spends part of each year in Ireland, where he keeps an ancestral cottage, and raises donkeys.