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.