Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cassius Clay by Basquiat," Kevin Young delves into the complex intersection of art, race, and identity as they relate to iconic figures in American history: the boxer Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The poem is replete with historical references and layers of meaning, capturing a moment when Clay, a powerful figure in sports and Civil Rights history, is about to transition to his new identity as Muhammad Ali.

The poem opens with Clay's famous exclamation after defeating Sonny Liston: "I'm pretty! / I shook up / the world!" This moment serves as a focal point around which the rest of the poem revolves. It's not just about Clay's physical victory but about a personal and political statement, a declaration of Black excellence and self-determination at a time when such proclamations were met with systemic resistance.

The narrative shifts to Clay's transformation into Muhammad Ali, signaling a deeper, spiritual change. He adopts the tenets of Islam, a move that unsettled many in a nation where the dominant religious culture was Christian. The religious conversion isn't just personal but also a political act, a means of resistance against a system that often marginalized and misunderstood people of his background. "Butterfly, / bee" invokes Ali's famous self-description, "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," but Young adapts it to reflect the artistic 'sting' Basquiat brings to the canvas, as well as to underline Ali's own transformative power.

Basquiat's painting serves as a lens through which we can view the social dynamics of the time. His use of "carpet-red" paint suggests both luxury and violence, complicating the popular narrative around Ali. Young points out that other boxers, like Ernie Terrell and Floyd Patterson, who refused to recognize Ali's new name and faith, were metaphorically punished-reduced or humiliated in the public eye, represented by the line "will get you a new haircut, / whether you want one or not."

The second half of the poem delves into the political climate of the Vietnam War era. Ali's refusal to join the Army due to his religious beliefs and moral stance against the war is noted. This act cost him his boxing title, a sacrifice that Young likens to Basquiat's own struggle with identity and recognition in a society that is quick to strip Black men of their rights and dignity.

The closing lines highlight Ali's defiance and unyielding stance against racial injustice. The taunts and labels that Ali threw at his opponents were more than just pre-fight banter; they were challenges to a racially divided America. The "ten count & crowd" symbolize the social and systemic obstacles he faced, yet it's his "undented smile" that leaves a lasting impression.

In sum, "Cassius Clay by Basquiat" is a masterful exploration of two iconic Black figures and the larger socio-political landscapes they navigated. Kevin Young manages to encapsulate complexities of race, religion, art, and sports within the bounds of this compelling poem. Just as Ali danced in the ring and Basquiat's artistry challenged viewers, Young's words force us to grapple with the nuances of American history and identity

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