HOME OF THE BRAVE

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 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

The poem 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." This 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:

The poem'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

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:

The poem 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

The poem 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

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'

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/4pdfQGA

The Raw and Uncut Version

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 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

The poem 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

The poem 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, the poem 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

by Official 1SP

featured in his third book,

Act Like You Know III: Verdict / Variorums

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

The Raw and Uncut Version

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 1SP, is an earnest and heartfelt declaration of enduring marital love and commitment, framed within the poet's Christian faith.

The poem 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:

The poem'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 the poem's message is immediately understood and felt by a broad audience.

Structure:

The poem 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.

'Watch Me'

by Official 1SP

featured in his sophomore book,

'Act Like You Know II: Extradition x Epigraphs'

https://amzn.to/49sHUBj

The Raw and Uncut Version

Watch me walk into the greatness I was destined for,

Watch me and see;

Watch me become who I was born to be and more,

Watch me do it;

Watch me.

Just watch me!

Just when I thought I was worthless and through,

Something deep within made me see my real value;

Many people have said their piece and lacked their part,

But taking me for granted is only neglect to a work of art;

Now here I stand committed to my very own purpose,

No longer do I walk in a void nor do I still feel nervous.

Watch me walk into the greatness I was destined for,

Watch me and see;

Watch me become who I was born to be and more,

Watch me do it;

Watch me.

Just watch me!

I used to think that I needed advice or permission

To do something I created to do when it came in a vision;

Many people have nothing to contribute but talk bogus,

I made up my mind to lead my own dreams and give notice;

Now here I am encouraged to direct my own path,

No longer do I fear the unknown nor is there anything I ask.

Watch me walk into the greatness I was destined for,

Watch me and see;

Watch me become who I was born to be and more,

Watch me do it;

Watch me.

Just watch me!

The poem 'Watch Me' by Official 1SP is an emphatic declaration of self-belief, determination, and the embrace of one's destiny. It serves as a powerful anthem of self-empowerment, emphasizing resilience and the journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance.

Key Themes and Evaluation

Self-Empowerment and Confidence:

The core message of the poem is the author's transition from feeling "worthless and through" to leading his "own dreams" and directing his "own path." The repeated refrain "Watch me" is a challenge to skeptics and a firm assertion of his newfound confidence.

Resilience and Self-Worth:

The speaker reflects on a time of low self-esteem, crediting an internal realization ("Something deep within made me see my real value") for the change. The line "taking me for granted is only neglect to a work of art" powerfully reframes his self-image.

Authenticity and Purpose:

The poem champions the idea of following an inner "vision" and purpose rather than seeking "advice or permission" from others who might "talk bogus" or lack support. It is a commitment to an authentic life.

Overcoming Fear:

The speaker explicitly states that he "no longer... still feel nervous" and no longer has "anything I ask," indicating he has overcome past anxieties and fear of the unknown.

Literary Style

Repetition and Anaphora:

The frequent repetition of "Watch me" acts as a rhythmic and rhetorical device (anaphora), driving the poem's assertive tone and reinforcing the central theme of inevitable success.

Simple and Direct Language:

The language is straightforward and accessible, making the poem's message clear and impactful without complex metaphors, allowing the raw emotion and sincerity to take precedence. This style makes the poem feel personal and relatable.

Structure:

The poem uses a verse-chorus-verse structure, common in music (which aligns with the artist's name "Official 1SP"), making it memorable and performative. The "chorus" serves as a powerful, rallying cry.

Sexy As a Mother

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,

'Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/4nTaPSA

The Raw and Uncut Version

I wonder if you live to mother,

Because you do it all so well;

I have never seen another,

That it makes so sexy as hell.

The way you medicate a scar,

And how you kiss each wound;

Making wishes on a flaring star

Under the heavens and moon.

You make mothering sexy,

Sexy as a mother.

You play more than one role,

Doctor, mother, father, friend;

Your child builds your soul,

Because it's a love without end.

You work all night long,

To see your child in the best;

They must make you strong,

If you don't strive for any less.

You make mothering sexy,

Sexy as a mother.

You never looked so sexy

Until I see you with your kid;

Reading, Writing,

Eating, Hiding…

You looked that sexy, Until

I see you with your child;

Dancing, Playing,

Chanting, Praying…

Sexy as you continue

To listen and talk with them,

Sexy as a father fled the venue,

I see that you really don't need him.

You make mothering sexy,

Sexy as a mother...?

Yes, you are.

The poem "Sexy as A Mother" by Official 1SP evaluates the multifaceted and "sexy" nature of single motherhood, praising the strength, resilience, and love of a mother who handles roles like doctor, father, and friend. The poem uses a direct and admiring tone, highlighting the mother's ability to provide for her child despite a father's absence and finding her sexiness in the active, caring role of raising her child, which is the poem's central theme.

Themes

Strength and resilience:

The poem emphasizes the mother's strength in handling multiple roles and working tirelessly for her child.

Love and sacrifice:

It portrays motherhood as a selfless act of love, focusing on the sacrifices and dedication involved.

Redefining "sexy":

The central theme redefines "sexy" not as a superficial quality, but as the deep, powerful, and capable persona of a mother raising her child.

Empowerment:

The poem concludes with a strong statement of empowerment, suggesting the mother does not need the absent father, showcasing her self-sufficiency.

Tone and style

Admiring and positive:

The poem adopts an admiring and admiring tone, directly praising the mother's actions and character.

Repetitive structure:

The repetition of the line "You make mothering sexy, Sexy as a mother" reinforces the central theme and acts as a recurring motif.

Simple language:

The poem uses straightforward language, making the message accessible and impactful.

Figurative language:

It employs metaphors like "medicate a scar" and "kiss each wound" to describe the mother's nurturing role in a unique way.

OBSESSED WITH YOUR EBONY

by Official 1SP

featured in his literary debut,'

Act Like You Know: Pretrial + Poems'

https://amzn.to/4oiK1LP

Your flawless skin so full of obscurity,

No blemish, simply chocolatized with purity;

To be absent from contact of your flesh

Is a lifetime full of failure, lacking success.

Here's something I must get off my chest,

Because the more I hide, the more I get obsessed.

Baby, I'm so obsessed with your ebony,

And more than just another reverie;

How it accommodates your lovely black hair

And coordinates with the clothes you wear;

I get so obsessed.

How it accentuates the curve of your hips,

And exfoliates with plump in your lips;

Baby, only the Lord can help me,

Because I'm so obsessed with your ebony.

If the body has an anecdote to tell,

Then your pigments are narratives to cast a spell;

Baby, the physical chemistry is beyond me,

You take aloft by putting your ebony on me.

Here's something I must get off my chest,

Because the more I hide, the more I get obsessed.

Baby, I'm so obsessed with your ebony,

And it's more than another reverie;

How it illuminates the sparkle in your eyes

And complements the thickness of your thighs;

I get so obsessed.

How it defines the arch in your back,

And spruces the chocolate skin to sexy black;

Baby, only the heavens above can help me,

Because I'm still obsessed with your ebony.

"Obsessed with Your Ebony" is a contemporary poem that celebrates the beauty of Black women, focusing specifically on the richness and allure of dark skin. Official 1SP expresses a profound admiration and intense physical attraction, elevating the subject's complexion to a powerful, almost mystical quality.

Key Themes and Analysis

Celebration of Black Beauty:

The central theme is a vibrant appreciation of dark skin. Official 1SP uses evocative and positive language like "chocolatized with purity," "flawless," and "sexy black" to counteract negative stereotypes and affirm the subject's physical appearance. The term "ebony" is used as a term of endearment and admiration, symbolizing elegance and profound beauty.

Intense Attraction and Obsession:

Obsessed with Your Ebony explores the Official 1SP's overwhelming physical and emotional pull towards the subject. The repeated lines, "Here's something I must get off my chest, Because the more I hide, the more I get obsessed," emphasize a raw, irrepressible desire. Official 1SP feels helpless in the face of this attraction, calling on "the Lord" and "the heavens above" for help.

Sensory and Physical Appreciation:

Obsessed with Your Ebony is highly descriptive, using strong imagery to detail how the skin interacts with other features:

It "accommodates your lovely black hair."

It "accentuates the curve of your hips" and "defines the arch in your back."

It "exfoliates with plump in your lips" and "illuminates the sparkle in your eyes."

This focus on the physical highlights Official 1SP's deep sensory appreciation and desire.

Skin as Narrative:

The lines "If the body has an anecdote to tell, Then your pigments are narratives to cast a spell" suggest that the subject's skin is more than just a physical feature; it holds stories, history, and a captivating power that "casts a spell" on Official 1SP. This adds a layer of depth beyond simple physical attraction, hinting at a reverence for the subject's heritage and identity.

Structure and Tone:

Obsessed with Your Ebony uses a repetitive, almost musical structure with refrains, similar to a love song. The tone is fervent, adoring, and deeply appreciative, creating a strong sense of intimacy and passion.