New Releases
2026
(1 Out of 22 Poetry Books)
All books are available on Amazon.
W. Wayne Lin writes in an attitude of reverence and unfolding breath, from his whole heart and soul. Potent philosophical inquiry and respect for infinite mysteries threads these poems, which shine with tender humility and unending love.
Naomi Shihab Nye
For Those Yearning to Fly
I dedicate this book —- “for those yearning to fly.”
This is my 22nd poetry book, and the only one with a central theme for the entire book. And that is “uplifting.” Regardless of the status of an individual reader’s mindset—rich or poor, healthy or sick, in despair or desperate—I hope this book will elevate their spirits an inch or two higher. I set out with that mission in 2022, as I felt there was no reason for me to put out another poetry book since I had already published 21 books, unless there was a purpose other than just to collect what I had written. I do not know how much of that goal I achieved in the end. You will be the judge.
I was a volunteer for 28 years, working for various organizations: cleaning, collecting garbage in public parks, distributing breakfast to the homeless, caring for the poorest of the poor cancer patients…until my driving ability was somehow compromised due to macular edema in my right eye. So I thought I would continue my volunteering spirit by writing and publishing this book, If I Have Wings. Among all 54 published poems in this book, I particularly treasure the following:
“I Still Remember the Walk,” which Christian Science Monitor published in 2024, and paid me $250. It was the first time I received remuneration for my poetry writing. And two first-prize winners: “Sloth’s Reverie” and “Star-Nosed Mole,” as well as two third-prize winners; “The Story of My Life” and “Hope.” And there are two priceless recognitions that touched my heart; “When the Prophet Comes Home” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize by California Quarterly (California’s State Poetry Society), and “I Wish I Knew How to Paint Happiness” was the first runner-up for a nomination for the Pushcart Prize by Quill & Parchment.
Also, Acumen in London published “In the Basho Temple.” That marked a new milestone for me—the first appearance of my work in the UK. And, of course, the very first poem, “Wisdom,” came to me while I witnessed a leaf split from a sprig, dance in the wind, and land peacefully. I wrote that poem in a very short spurt. And the last poem, “If I Have Wings.”
Wayne
PREFACE
It all started from the last chapter. Five “flying” poems, like UFOs, jammed my channels and all landed in this last chapter: “A Voice from 3I/Atlas in My Dream,” “If I Were a Drone,” “Through the Foggy Veil,” “If I Could Fly,” and
“If I Have Wings.”
After putting the final chapter together, I named it “I Come Here Often.”
When I was down, needed a place to jump start, I knew where to go.
The rest came slowly as I started to think seriously about what I would do if I had wings.
I would fly, not like Icarus. My wings were in every part of me, seen and unseen. I would fly anywhere to dig up “wisdom,” (chapter one) “truth” (chapter two)…
Six chapters, fifty-four poems, all of which were accepted and published in various poetry journals, won prizes in poetry contests, or received recognition.
I am very thrilled to share with you what I have found if I have wings.