W. J. Lofton
double u, double d
we need a wang doodle ​​
a lawn chair holding
high waists
cousins racing sacks
across the yard, just a
few feet away
a pound cake offers itself
in glazed slices
there's lemonade
tea sweet as niceness
have some
save it for later
in some foil
fix a plate
hug your young necks
around one another
as swans do in summer
remember home in its sunlight
with its warm prayer
waiting, just waiting
for the weight
of you. ​
W. J. Lofton, born in Chicago and raised in Valley, Alabama, is a Black and queer Southern poet. He is the author of boy maybe (Beacon Press, 2025). A recipient of fellowships from Cave Canem and Emory University Arts and Social Justice Program, Lofton lives in Atlanta. W.J. is also a published author with a book releasing 3/25/25 via Beacon Press. He’s currently doing many events/ touring and has one coming up 1/15 (MLKs Bday at the High).