Walking Papers: Poems

by Thomas Lynch

“Light in tone, [these poems] are at their core deadly serious. . . . They celebrate life, love, death, and literature.”― Library Journal “A pilgrimage of sorts through growing old and facing death―subjects that caregivers know all too well. [Lynch’s] upfront, unvarnished style is likely to resonate with many who have come face to face with life’s most important questions.”―Mary Plummer, New York Times

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Thomas Lynch has authored five collections of poetry, one of stories, and four books of essays, including National Book Award Finalist The Undertaking. He works as a funeral director in Milford, Michigan, and teaches at the Bear River Writer’s Conference.

Reviews

[Keith Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, yes, he's a friend. And I like all the things he has worked on over the years, have felt the urgency and importance of essays and stories. But I will always prefer the Lynch I knew first, the poet. When this book came out, I was prepared for it and wasn't disappointed.

Here's a little thing I wrote back in the day:

https://annarborobserver.com/articles...

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Thomas Lynch's poetry that I've read. I found his work to be wonderful, readable, and relatable. My favorites were "To Be Among These Elegant Voices", "Local Heroes" and "Alchemy"--although the opening poem "Euclid" is pretty terrific too. The theme for this collection has to do with the pilgrims you meet along life's journey. Would definitely recommend.

[Randy Cauthen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing. "The Names of Donkeys" is good, and some of the anti-Bush poems OK. A disturbingly large number of the others end with a shrugging, "life goes on" gesture -- which, granted, if I were Catholic I'd probably feel too.

[Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title poem is more than worth the price of admission. Top notch work. Not to be missed.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb collection of poems. I particularly enjoyed the homage to libraries in To Be Among These Elegant Voices, especially the line-"He's right, of course, books can make us crazy, or give us hope, or make us question things." Several poems discuss and ruminate on death. The poem, Walking Papers is a letter to a dying friend and Lament is one in memory of a deceased friend. They aren't sad or depressing poems, but rather a refreshing look at the inevitable. The phrase, "life goes on" is often repeated. I had some good laughs reading the story poem, The Names of Donkeys. Thomas Lynch is an excellent poet who tugs at emotions, causing you to laugh and cry, sometimes in the same line. I'm pleased I discovered him.

[Maggie Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite poem in this volume is Local Heros.

Some great lines and words:

From all of time, this late July, this moment, from every other one, this one and only.

... in every start, an end.

Some days the worst that can happen happens.


And if the ends do not justify the means, still, ends are what we're after.

... Listen --
something's going to get you in the end.
The numbers are fairly convincing on this,
hovering, as they do, around a hundred
percent. We die. And more's the pity.


Also, some great words and phrases he used:

Anecdotage
Oddments
Carpe momentum

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Lynch a few years back and he is such and interesting person. I really enjoyed listening to him talk. And his writing is incredible.

[R.R. Tavárez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy how Lynch's writing feels familiar and is yet distinct. This collection of poetry is simple, but contains some moving pieces. I have marked a few favorites.