Ivan Mendoza

Professor Blakelock
UH 2010-02: Hon Poetry
November 6, 2015
On The Stretching of the Belly
I could not help but notice the structure and word play yet definite message in this poem. The
inspiration for this journal actually arose from the reading of another poem discussed in class by
E.E. Cummings titled r-p-o-p-h--e-s-s-a-g-r which is just another formation of letters to the
word grasshopper. After reading The Stretching of the Belly by Knight, I immediately
searched if Knight was at all influenced by Cummings. The answer is yes, that there were some
techniques Knight uses from Cummings, however, one of the main goals of the Black Art
Movement was for black poets to make their own path. Knight is often criticized for this, as well
as his close relations with whites through his personal and professional life.
In this particular poem, Knight discusses different types of marks in life. What is interesting,
and which I relate to Cummings, is his structure. Throughout the poem Knight uses the symbol
/ to separate words both externally and internally. By doing this he creates a sense that even in
poetry there exists marks that we do not necessarily desire, but must accept as part of life. He
includes all different types of marks in life including those after a pregnancy, a car crash, a war
and a lashing. In each instance these marks leave scars, and many bring forth frightening
memories. He connects the scars on his back from slavery to the Black Art Movement briefly
noted above which is a prevalent theme in his poetry. At the end, Knight describes how the only
scars that are bright and bring forth music are those of a pregnancy which results in new life.
New life signifies a new movement, also it represents the striving desire for change of perception
of blacks in society.