Here Comes May Day Again

If I had one wish left? I would March in today's May day Parade. This “May Day” not an emergency call. It was the night before May 1st 1927 All through the house preparation was made, No Maypole dancing for this crowd. A 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. Maybe the only thing we all agreed to. Long ago it started the eight hour day fight. This 1930 day I stayed out of school. 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. That’s where the Social Security fight started. 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. 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. NOW? THE PROUDEST 94 YEAR OLD IN THE LAND.