WORK OF ART

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/49NtqvY

Woman -

You are so damn incredible,

I wish you can see

Just how much you mean to me...

Woman...

You are a piece of work,

A masterpiece, a work of art;

The way you work a skirt,

How you whisper in the dark;

It ignites candlelights of desire

Deep within this man's heart

And I want to share that fire

Experience why you are such a work of art.

Troublemaker...

The Mona Lisa, Symphony No. 15

Nor can the Sistine Chapel compare,

The taste of your lips or my memory

Of the refinery of your touch and stare;

It moves me each time I call you my wife

And partake in this date with destiny;

You are the work of art in my life,

Beautiful Black woman, you're the best to see.

Woman,

Your skin so pretty and dark,

Your kiss so precious stole my heart:

... such a work of art.

Woman,

Your body by far the most fine,

Your eyes seem too very divine;

... such a work of art.

Woman,

Your soul is just pure,

Your mind is really secure;

... such a work of art.

The way you treat me like a king,

Woman you are my everything;

You have all of me each part by part,

Because you are such a work of art.

WORK OF ART by Official 1SP is a contemporary spoken-word style poem that functions as an earnest, romantic, and celebratory ode to his first wife. It is a direct, heartfelt tribute focusing on admiration, adoration, and deep appreciation for a Black woman's beauty, spirit, and role in the Official 1SP’s life.

1. Themes and Emotional Core

Adoration and Reverence:

The central theme is treating a woman as a masterpiece—a "work of art." Official 1SP uses elevated, classical, and cultural references ("Mona Lisa," "Sistine Chapel") to highlight that his wife surpasses traditional ideals of beauty and art.

Celebrating Black Womanhood:

WORK OF ART specifically praises the "Beautiful Black woman," honoring her dark skin and physical beauty, giving it a celebratory, pro-Black love sentiment.

Devotion and Security:

Official 1SP emphasizes emotional connection ("soul is just pure," "mind is really secure") alongside physical attraction, conveying a sense of stability and mutual respect ("treat me like a king").

2. Tone and Style

Spoken-Word/Spoken-Style:

WORK OF ART feels designed to be spoken aloud, likely in a slam or romantic poetry context. It uses repetition ("such a work of art," "Woman...") to create a rhythmic, melodic, and almost hypnotic effect.

Direct and Unfiltered:

The tone is raw, affectionate, and unapologetically romantic. It does not hide its intent behind complex metaphors, making it accessible and direct.

Intimate and Descriptive:

WORK OF ART covers various facets of attraction—from physical appearance ("skin so pretty and dark," "body by far the most fine") to intimate moments ("whisper in the dark," "refinery of your touch").

3. Poetic Techniques

Refrain/Repetition: The repeated phrase "such a work of art" anchors WORK OF ART, emphasizing the core message in each stanza.

Hyperbole:

Official 1SP uses strong exaggeration to express deep emotion, suggesting that his first wife is better than some of the most famous art pieces in human history.

Imagery:

WORK OF ART evokes specific sensory details—candlelights of desire, taste of lips, touch, and stare—to build a vivid portrait of his affection.

4. Overall Impression

WORK OF ART is a sincere, high-energy declaration of love. It acts as an uplifting, positive affirmation.

Strengths: It is highly emotive, passionate, and celebratory. Its rhythm is consistent, and it creates a strong, positive image of the subject.

Conclusion:

It is a touching and passionate love poem that succeeds in its goal to honor, cherish, and elevate the woman to whom it is addressed.

MEASURE OF MIRTH

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/49NtqvY

Close these weary eyes of mine,

Play the Bad Boy's Having a Party,

I can indulge in delights so fine

Of Fridays in Civics that were sweet.

Oh yeah!

Mrs. Chaney and that radio of hers,

Both tuned to the oldies Hot 1O5;

Luther starts to plays as it recurs,

And she smiles, she dances, sings live.

Well, all right now!

What joy to witness her in a bask

Is such a relief from the workweek;

Her daily struggle execrated at last,

As she swings, dwelling in melody.

Oh yeah!

We would just sit, listen, and learn,

Finish the week test quickly to survey;

Our weekly burdens were burned,

Ash like hers burned away in a sway.

Well, all right!

I had aced her class with all the lesson,

Yet words may never suffice my gratitude;

That strong Black woman was a blessing,

First to see my strong sense of negritude.

Oh yeah!

Thank you, Mrs. Chaney

MEASURE OF MIRTH by Official 1SP is a nostalgic, rhythmic tribute to a formative mentor, Mrs. Chaney. MEASURE OF MIRTH captures a specific, joyful moment in a Civics class that serves as a respite from the stresses of school and life.

1. Theme and Message

The central theme is gratitude for mentorship and the power of Black joy and authenticity in an academic setting.

The Teacher as a Beacon:

Mrs. Chaney is not portrayed merely as a source of academic knowledge, but as a human who shares her culture and joy ("smiles, she dances, sings live") with her students.

Relief from Pressure:

MEASURE OF MIRTH highlights the contrast between the "workweek" (stress) and the "melody" of Friday (release), suggesting that joy is a necessary, almost sacred, break from labor.

Validation of Identity:

The final stanza elevates the poem from a simple memory to a profound moment of personal recognition, specifically highlighting the teacher’s role in acknowledging Official 1SP's "negritude" (cultural pride/identity).

2. Imagery and Tone

The tone is nostalgic, celebratory, and affectionate.

Sensory Details:

MEASURE OF MIRTH is rich with audio-visual imagery:

the oldies station "Hot 1O5," "Luther" (likely Vandross) playing, the sight of Mrs. Chaney dancing.

Metaphorical Language:

Official 1SP uses evocative language, describing the students' burdens as "burned" away, suggesting a cathartic experience. The description of Mrs. Chaney dancing is vivid, transforming her into a figure of comfort rather than just authority.

3. Structure and Rhythm

MEASURE OF MIRTH has a conversational, almost musical quality, reinforcing the theme of song and dance.

Rhyme Scheme:

MEASURE OF MIRTH uses a loose AABB or ABCB structure within stanzas, giving it a light, accessible pace.

Repetition:

The use of colloquial, rhythmic filler phrases ("Oh yeah!", "Well, all right!") functions like a chorus in the song, emphasizing the joyous, celebratory nature of the memories.

Finality:

MEASURE OF MIRTH ends on a direct, personal address ("Thank you, Mrs. Chaney"), emphasizing that the purpose of MEASURE OF MIRTH is a heartfelt tribute.

HOME OF THE BRAVE

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his third book,

'Act Like You Know III: Verdict / Variorums'

https://amzn.to/3bT8msk

I'm here walking on the railroad in the slum

Looking around at just what we've become,

People killed in the name of the Almighty Dollar,

After we created the middle-class and blue collar.

A nation of liberty

Yeah, a nation built on trust,

A nation for you and me,

That loves others just like us.

We all prayed for a day,

We can finally say

That we really stay

In the Home of the Brave...

The Home of the Brave.

Nights awake sweating cold with all this grief

Because I saw so many slain in war overseas;

Tears of a man seeking an enduring haven to refuge

A haven where a troubled soul is no longer abused.

A nation of liberty

Yeah, a nation built on trust,

A nation for you and me,

That loves others just like us.

We all prayed for a day,

We can finally say

That we really stay

In the Home of the Brave...

The Home of the Brave.

Ⓒ Official 1SP

A poem HOME OF THE BRAVE by Official 1SP is a powerful critique of American society, contrasting the idealized national self-image with the grim realities of poverty, materialism, social division, and the human cost of conflict.

Explanation

HOME OF THE BRAVE explores the following key themes and elements:

Social Critique and Inequality:

Official 1SP juxtaposes the American ideal with the reality of "walking on the railroad in the slum," highlighting pervasive poverty and inequality. The lines "People killed in the name of the Almighty Dollar" criticize materialism and greed as driving forces behind societal decay and conflict, while the mention of the "middle-class and blue collar" points to internal social divisions.

Juxtaposition of Ideals vs. Reality:

The recurring refrain, a variation of the national anthem's "Home of the Brave," is used ironically. The description of America as a "nation of liberty," "built on trust," and one that "loves others just like us" contrasts sharply with the harsh reality presented in the rest of the poem. Official 1SP is searching for a day when these ideals truly represent the nation.

The Psychological Toll of War:

The second stanza shifts to the impact of war, describing a person who is "awake sweating cold with all this grief" after witnessing "so many slain in war overseas." HOME OF THE BRAVE emphasizes the lasting trauma and human suffering caused by military conflict, further questioning the "bravery" and "haven" the nation claims to be.

Tone and Emotion:

HOME OF THE BRAVE's tone is one of lament, anger, despair, and a longing for a better, more just reality. It conveys raw emotion and a powerful sense of disillusionment with the current state of affairs.

Call for a True Haven:

The "tears of a man seeking an enduring haven to refuge" highlights the universal human need for a safe and just place, which the current "Home of the Brave" fails to provide for all its people. The repetition of the chorus at the end serves to underline this ongoing, unfulfilled desire for the nation to live up to its stated principles.

LET THIS FIREPLACE HIT HOME

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/49NtqvY

Let me start by taking off of your shoes,

You've been working so hard, your feet bruised,

Just long to soak your feet and rub your toes,

If we could, let us take off all these clothes.

The heat is blowing,

And the fireplace hits home.

I got nothing but time for you,

Ready to pamper you for things you do;

I do not have a fetish for feet,

But your ankles seem sore this week.

This week it's snowing,

And the fireplace hits home.

So let me have your feet, toes and all,

I can start with a rub, and soak to thaw

In this water so warm, fit for queens

And end it with the kiss of your dreams.

So come on with a towel,

And let this fireplace hit home.

Baby, my chimney is smoking

But you cannot get warm

If your heart is still broken

From damage that came with an ex's charm.

The poem "LET THIS FIREPLACE HIT HOME" by 1SP is an intimate, sensual poem that uses the imagery of a warm fireplace on a cold, snowy day to explore themes of comfort, care, and emotional healing in a relationship. Official 1SP offers physical solace to his partner while also addressing deeper emotional wounds from a past relationship.

Major Themes

Comfort and Care:

The central theme is Official 1SP's desire to comfort his partner after a long, hard day. Actions like taking off shoes, soaking feet, and giving a massage are symbols of nurturing and deep affection.

Intimacy and Sensuality:

The setting is intimate, suggesting a couple alone in the warmth ("take off all these clothes"). The physical actions described, while presented as caring, also carry a strong sensual undertone.

Emotional Healing:

LET THIS FIREPLACE HIT HOME transitions from physical comfort to emotional needs in the final stanza. The "broken" heart is the core issue that Official 1SP wishes to warm and heal, suggesting that emotional safety is the ultimate "fireplace."

Contrast of Warmth and Cold:

The physical cold outside ("snowing") and the warmth of the fireplace are mirrored by the emotional coldness of a past trauma and the potential warmth of Official 1SP's love.

Structure and Poetic Devices

LET THIS FIREPLACE HIT HOME is structured in three main stanzas plus a concluding quatrain (four lines), with a recurring refrain in the first two stanzas that emphasizes the central image.

Metaphor:

The "fireplace" is an extended metaphor for the relationship, the home, and the emotional sanctuary Official 1SP is trying to create. The "chimney smoking" in the last stanza is a playful, sensual metaphor for Official 1SP's desire.

Imagery:

Vivid imagery of physical comfort is used throughout: "bruised" feet, "sore" ankles, "water so warm," and the snowy weather outside help set the scene.

Refrain:

The lines "The heat is blowing, / And the fireplace hits home" (and variations) anchor the poem to its central metaphor and title.

Tone Shift:

The tone starts as tender and caring, but the final quatrain introduces a note of past heartbreak and the challenge of truly connecting when emotional guards are up.

Line-by-Line Analysis Summary

Stanzas 1-3:

Official 1SP notices the partner's exhaustion and pain ("feet bruised") and offers practical, loving comfort, creating a peaceful, warm atmosphere. The details about the foot rub and warm water emphasize the attentive nature of Official 1SP's love.

Final Quatrain:

The focus shifts dramatically here. Official 1SP acknowledges that while the physical setting is warm and their desire is present ("chimney is smoking"), his partner's previous emotional "damage" prevents them from fully feeling the warmth of this new affection. The poem ends on this poignant challenge, suggesting that emotional vulnerability is necessary for the love to truly "hit home."

BIGGEST FAN

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/485xViZ

I should have known it was like starring in a movie,

When they said that writers also get groupies;

As these women continue to swarm by the flock,

I get rid of some, more come to me nonstop,

But you knew it before I was even deemed such,

You saw potential in me when I did not see much.

If you only knew...

Can I have YOUR autograph?

Inscribe it dearly over my heart on my chest;

Can I see you between the scenes, backstage?

I love women in uniform, let me watch you get dressed

As you star in the role for your life

A hardworking single woman who needs no man,

I have a lot of respect for a lady like you,

I need to be on your mailing list as the biggest fan.

I write and serve in the Army of the United States,

But I support my hardworking single women always;

Your determination give me the strength to try,

Thinking of you at work and as I study all day and all night;

You say that you are ordinary just to yourself,

I say that you are extraordinary beyond anyone else.

If you only knew...

Can I have YOUR autograph?

Inscribe it dearly over my heart on my chest;

Can I see you between the scenes, backstage?

I love women in uniform, let me watch as you get dressed

As you star in the role for your life

A hardworking single woman who needs no man,

I have a lot of respect for a lady like you,

I need to be on your mailing list as the biggest fan.

No matter if I write music, books, or serve,

I still know the definition of a woman's worth

And prove it with the right given chance

For me to be one of your very biggest fans.

The poem BIGGEST FAN by Official 1SP is a lyrical tribute that reverses the typical celebrity dynamic, celebrating the value and independence of an everyday working woman over the superficiality of fame [1].

Summary

Official 1SP, a writer and U.S. Army service member, has experienced an influx of "groupies" due to his minor fame. He dismisses these fleeting attractions, focusing instead on a single woman whom he admired long before his success. He expresses deep respect for her hardworking, single mother lifestyle, which he views as extraordinary. He desires her "autograph" on his heart, indicating that he is her biggest fan, flipping the typical fan-celebrity power dynamic on its head.

Analysis

Role Reversal:

The central theme is the reversal of roles. Official 1SP who is gaining attention and "groupies," views this specific woman as the true "star." He is the one asking for an "autograph" and backstage access, positioning himself as the admirer and her as the celebrity.

Admiration for Independence:

Official 1SP admires the woman's strength and self-sufficiency ("A hardworking single woman who needs no man"). He respects her "uniform" (likely her everyday work attire) and her real-life "role" over the artificiality of the entertainment world he describes in the first stanza.

Sincerity vs. Superficiality:

BIGGEST FAN contrasts the "groupies" swarming by the flock with the genuine admiration the speaker holds for this woman who saw his potential before he was "deemed such." His respect for her is presented as more authentic than the attention he receives.

'LET'S DREAM'

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/4pdfQGA

Baby, I know that we are so many miles apart,

But that doesn't stop me from loving you with all my heart;

The distance is only a milestone for you and I,

We can surpass this obstacle if only we try.

So, baby, just close your eyes,

Imagine I was there;

Stroking your nape of neck to hair;

Baby, please, close your eyes,

Tonight, I'm making you my queen

As we enter as one,

Baby, let's dream...

So many things I regret saying and doing,

As I see that you're the one I can't afford losing;

With my heart to yours can't nothing separate

The zeal and chemistry that secured us by fate.

So, baby, just close your eyes,

Imagine I was there;

Stroking your nape of neck to hair;

Baby, please, close your eyes,

Tonight, I'm making you my queen

As we enter as one,

Baby, let's dream...

LET'S DREAM by Official 1SP is a romantic poem that explores themes of long-distance love, regret, and the power of imagination to bridge physical gaps.

Summary and Themes

LET'S DREAM addresses a beloved who is "many miles apart" from Official 1SP. Official 1SP emphasizes that physical distance has not diminished his love, viewing it merely as a "milestone" they can overcome if they both commit to the relationship. A central theme is the use of shared dreaming and imagination as a coping mechanism for the separation. Official 1SP also expresses deep regret for past mistakes, realizing his partner is someone he "can't afford losing," and feels their connection is secured by fate.

Structure and Form

LET'S DREAM is structured into two st stanzas, each followed by a recurring refrain.

Stanzas 1 & 2 (Verses):

These sections set up the conflict (distance, regret) and the enduring nature of their bond.

Refrain:

The recurring "So, baby, just close your eyes..." section serves as an invitation to the shared dream world and reinforces the poem's central wish.

Poetic Devices and Imagery

Metaphor:

The distance is called a "milestone," suggesting a temporary, surmountable marker on a journey rather than an impassable barrier.

Sensory Imagery:

Official 1SP uses tactile imagery like "Stroking your nape of neck to hair" to evoke intimacy and physical presence, further emphasizing the yearning for physical closeness.

Repetition:

The repeated phrase "Baby, please, close your eyes" acts as a rhythmic mantra, guiding his partner and the reader into the imagined scenario.

Symbolism:

The "dream" itself symbolizes an emotional sanctuary where the lovers can be physically "as one" and where Official 1SP can treat his partner as a "queen," free from the constraints of reality.

Overall, LET'S DREAM is a heartfelt plea for emotional closeness in the face of physical separation, relying on the mental connection between the two people to keep their love alive.

CAN NO MAN

The Raw and Uncut Version

by Official 1SP

featured in his third book,

Act Like You Know III: Verdict / Variorums

https://a.co/d/7Bg4EQG

Love, I see how busy Satan is

Always trying to wreck a home like this,

But I'm not going to let it take place,

Because we are anointed by grace;

He can bring up your past

And try the flow of our cash,

But I still won't let it happen;

He can total both of the cars,

Still he won't get that far,

Time reveals us always as last ones laughing.

Can no man, no man, no man

Separate what God's joined together,

Ain't no man, no man, no man

Going to stop me from loving you forever,

Even when our souls are lifted up,

All the way past humanity's final day;

Can no man, no man, no man

Stop me from loving you all the way.

There's no better pic than one with true colors,

No gift looks better than one proud true mother;

Me knowing that and how much you love to give,

An appreciation to you is to give away more as I live;

You understand the meaning of life and it's exciting,

And that's why can no man stop me from providing.

I'm going to provide for you until forever ends;

Just giving the best in a man of God can offer,

Where I take my body, soul and your hand to the altar,

Protecting you until each one of our souls ascends.

Can no man, no man, no man

Separate what God's joined together,

Ain't no man, no man, no man

Going to stop me from loving you forever,

Even when our souls are lifted up,

All the way past humanity's final day;

Can no man, no man, no man

Stop me from loving you all the way.

CAN NO MAN by Official 1SP, is an earnest and heartfelt declaration of enduring marital love and commitment, framed within Official 1SP's Christian faith.

CAN NO MAN is structured around the central theme that no earthly or spiritual force can separate a union "joined together" by God. Official 1SP's commitment is presented as a spiritual mandate, a testament to faith, and a personal vow to provide and protect his beloved "until forever ends."

Strengths and Thematic Evaluation

Sincerity and Devotion:

CAN NO MAN's primary strength lies in its raw sincerity. Official 1SP’s voice is direct and passionate, leaving no doubt about his profound devotion to his partner. This emotional clarity is a key driver of the poem's impact.

Thematic Clarity:

The use of clear religious imagery ("Satan," "anointed by grace," "man of God") effectively grounds the poem in a specific spiritual context. This framework provides a strong foundation for the themes of resilience and unbreakable commitment, suggesting the relationship is protected by a higher power.

Repetition and Musicality:

The recurring refrain, "Can no man, no man, no man / Separate what God's joined together," serves as a powerful anchor. This repetition gives the poem a song-like quality, emphasizing the central message and making it highly memorable.

Stylistic and Structural Analysis

Accessible Language:

The language is straightforward and accessible, avoiding complex metaphors in favor of direct statements of feeling and intent. This democratic style ensures CAN NO MAN's message is immediately understood and felt by a broad audience.

Structure:

CAN NO MAN is organized into four stanzas of varying lengths, interspersed with the consistent, anthemic chorus. This structure effectively balances narrative sections, which detail the challenges faced, with the unwavering declaration of the chorus.

Imagery and Diction:

The imagery focuses on domestic and material challenges (wrecking a home, flow of cash, totaling cars) to illustrate the everyday trials the couple faces. By dismissing these material losses as inconsequential next to their spiritual bond, Official 1SP elevates the importance of their love.