W. J. Lofton, a Chicago-born poet and multimodal artist, is the author of A Garden for Black Boys Between the Stages of Soil and Stardust. His work explores the intersections of race, class, and gender while focusing on Black queer men's attempts at intimacy and the tensions and wonders of boyhood. Lofton has received fellowships from Cave Canem and Emory University. A recipient of Ava DuVernay's LEAP Grant, his work has appeared in TIME, wildness, Obsidian, and Scalawag. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, where he co-curates Rebellion: A Writing Salon.

"A museum of exactitudes, with lines so precise that you never forget them . . . Enchanting and provocative."
--Jericho Brown, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Tradition

"boy maybe touches my heart with its soft, honest lyrics and shakes me up with its brilliant singing. . . . Here, in this poet's shining language, is a country where we are possible."
--Danez Smith, Lambda Award-winning author of [insert] Boy

"boy maybe refuses to compromise on the fullest, freest expressions of Black queer aliveness. I am so moved and emboldened by this work."
--Chen Chen, author of When I Grow Up I Want to Be a List of Further Possibilities

"Beautiful . . . Seamless and evocative . . . This is a new illuminating call for liberation. I cannot speak highly enough of this voice."
--Raymond Antrobus, Ted Hughes Award-winning author of The Perseverance

"I'm astonished at boy maybe. . . . Read this breathing book and be reminded where God is."
--K. Iver, author of Short Film Starring My Beloved's Red Bronco

Publisher: Beacon Press

Pub date: 2025-03-25

Length: 88 pages