Poetry - Lynn White

  James It was still his favourite toy, that robot with the flashing eyes, a birthday present when he was only five. He called it James, he couldn’t say why. He didn’t know a James so he was pleased to be original. There was a lever called a joystick because it brought him joy and gave him perfect control. Back and forth, round in circles, blinking and winking away. He called all the shots. Now he’s grown up, almost nine and James is feeling his age (yes, of course he can feel) so his movements are slower and his lights less bright and sparkly. Age has undermined his splendour, it happens, he knew it would. The joystick is a bit wonky so control is imperfect but it doesn’t matter, the joy is the same. James is still James and will be forever.

  Window Shopping We can only look in longing through that misty glass knowing it’s all beyond our reach unattainable   as rain in a drought or sunshine in a downpour. Umbrellas and parasols are good for both however distorted   the atmosphere   with heat haze   or drizzly mist. But however distorted it’s all too clear the rest is unattainable. https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/03/12/5-poems-by-lynn-white-2/

Inspiration Outside the window the man stands, his hunger abating   as he ingests   the emptiness inside. He breathes it in, then he’s on his way, fast as the food being served behind the glass. Soon the bar stools and tables   will be peopled, the juke box will be playing above the buzz of conversation. Brushes and magic, that’s all it takes to fill the space with life. Hopper stands back,   satisfied. https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/03/12/5-poems-by-lynn-white-2/

Doing Nothing If happiness is doing nothing lie back and enjoy it. Watch the rush to earn more. Watch the rush to spend more from your window on the world or read about it or dream about it. Lie back and enjoy it while the moment lasts turn your nightmares into dreams. https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/03/12/5-poems-by-lynn-white-2/

 First Times He forewarned me about the eccentric landlord who, for unspecified reasons had permanently locked the front door of his boyfriend’s flat leaving a cantankerous sash window to be the only way in or out. A new experience, indeed! Later, he made toast and asked me if I liked marmite. I’d never heard of marmite and so I misheard marmalade. He asked me if I liked it spread thick or thin. Of course, I said thick. A new experience, for sure! Later, we all went to the Grand Hotel for afternoon tea. It was very grand with waiters dressed up like penguins. Very strange but there’s a first time for everything! And a last. https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/03/12/5-poems-by-lynn-white-2/

Looking Through Windows The windows are aglow. A cacophony of colour giving glimpses of other people’s lives. Snapshots into different worlds. Shapes still and moving. A little exposure sometimes a mystery revealed. Stories to be told from different imaginings. A cacophony of colour Tati-esque as if Monsieur Hulot has taken his vacation with Mon Oncle in the twenty-first century, until the lights go out. https://latinosenglishedition.blog/2026/03/12/5-poems-by-lynn-white-2/