The Sarnia Journal has partnered with local photographer Art Connolly to feature his captivating “Humans of Sarnia” series as he delves into the lives and experiences of everyday people in Sarnia. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook
On a sunny afternoon in Sarnia, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lynn Tait, an award-winning poet and photographer whose work has captured the hearts of many. As we relaxed in her backyard, I was struck by how quickly I felt at ease with her. Lynn’s warm, calming presence and genuine interest in our conversation made it easy to connect. She has a knack for making you feel heard, and our chat was filled with laughter, humor, and thoughtful reflection.
Lynn's journey began in Toronto, where she was born, and later moved to Willowdale, living with her mother and grandmother. Her life took a turn when her mother remarried, and they relocated to Canadian Forces Base Trenton. Suddenly, Lynn found herself with four new siblings—a significant shift for any young person. Growing up as a military "brat" (Born, Raised, And Transferred Somewhere), Lynn learned to adapt quickly, a skill that would serve her well in her creative pursuits. After her stepfather retired, the family moved to Richmond Hill, but the town didn’t suit her. At just 16 or 17, Lynn decided to strike out on her own, eventually attending Lambton College, Seneca College, Fanshawe College and she also finished a year at Waterloo University by correspondence.
Like many artists, Lynn’s creativity was born out of necessity, a way to cope with the challenges life threw her way. Her strict and controlling mother and military stepfather left little room for the typical freedoms of childhood. “I wasn’t allowed to do anything,” she shared, reflecting on those early years. It was in the quiet pages of a composition book that she found solace, and that’s where her poetry journey began. “I found that I had a knack for it,” she said with a smile, crediting a supportive grade 4 teacher for encouraging her to pursue writing.
In 2012, Lynn and her husband, Rob, faced an unimaginable loss—their 29-year-old son, Stephen, passed away. The depth of grief in losing a child is something Lynn says is beyond words, a pain that she carries with her every day. Stephen was a beloved son known for his sharp sense of humor, often calling his mother to share his latest discovery in the world of stand-up comedy.
This profound loss deeply influenced Lynn’s writing. Her debut poetry collection, You Break It, You Buy It, released by Guernica Editions in September 2023, was written during a period when Lynn felt “invisible” after Stephen’s death. Initially, the book included poems centered on grief, but as she worked through her emotions, she realized the collection had evolved into something more about “disconnections and misconceptions.” The grief poems were removed, but Lynn is already working on a second collection that will include them. “What connects us more than grief?” she asked, emphasizing the importance of these powerful pieces.
Lynn’s creative talents extend beyond poetry. She is also an award-winning photographer, a passion that began from the back of a motorcycle on a 600-mile trip with her husband. She often captures images from moving vehicles, a unique perspective that has led to some stunning work. Her photographs and digital artwork have graced the covers of seven poetry books and have been exhibited locally in Sarnia. Lynn has a particular fondness for black-and-white photography and considers herself a street photographer at heart.
When asked about writer’s block, Lynn offered a refreshing perspective. She doesn’t see it as a block at all but more like a wineskin—sometimes it needs just one drop to get flowing, and other times it’s ready to overflow. Her advice for aspiring poets? “Read poetry, attend workshops, study the craft, and listen to poets who know the business of poetry.”
Lynn Tait is a true creative force, turning life’s challenges into art that resonates with those who experience it. Whether through her poetry or her photography, she continues to connect with the world around her in ways that are both profound and inspiring.
“Humans of Sarnia” founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens.