Our Labor Day is viewed a minor holiday;
Its reason for existence not well known by all.
But many years ago it held a stronger sway,
Where those with jobs would celebrate, and heed its call.
This day is meant to celebrate the common man;
A tribute to the clock-puncher on every scale.
The struggle for a better living wage began
When these same common men prevailed and did not fail.
Through many years of effort, many sorely pressed,
The working classes gained, and formed the Middle class.
This was unheard of and not easily assessed.
It proved its merit and its strength, regaled en masse.
So Labor Day means far more than a mere day off;
A tribute to both energy and enterprise.
That’s you—the common person; hats should doff—
Acknowledging the signal strength of labor’s prize.
© Richard Williams