May Day

This is not an emergency call.
It was the night before May 1st 1930
All through the house preparation was made,
No Maypole dancing for this crowd.
A most serious parade would be underway.
“Papa “who are we going to march with?”
“We’ll see we’ll see. Now for the posters.”
Free Mooney Billings, and the Scottsboro Boys.
Papa “are we gonna sing Hold the Fort?”

I lived in house of rebels. There were,
Socialists, communists, freethinkers, anarchists,
Wobblies, atheists, modern dancers, single taxers
and lots more. All preparing to march.
This was our workers holiday.

Long ago it started the eight hour day fight.
This 1930 day I stayed out of school.
Note said, “My son Robert was marching
In the workers holiday.” Teacher, “what is that?”
“This day we celebrate workers who built this land.”
Papa are we gonna sing Hold The Fort?”
There I was with my Papa on Fifth Avenue at 50th Street
Amongst the bricklayer and mason unions.
Girls were with the modern dancers.
Maybe the Garment Workers brigade?

Up came the signs. “Jobs for all” “ Old age, Social security.”
Free Mooney Billings and Scottsboro Boys.”
We started our march down Fifth Avenue
All the way to Union Square. Singing
Hold The fort for we are coming
Union men be strong. Side by side
We battle onward victory be won.
With upraised fists flags flying
Marched before the reviewing stand
Papa said we were 250-300 thousand strong that day.
I knew we had to win all our demands.
“Hold the Fort” as we were there.
”
Holding my Papas big hand.
The proudest thirteen year old in the land.