Labour Day

Written 28 April 2024 “Genius begins great works. Labour alone finishes them.” Joseph Joubert Labour Day On Labour Day of first of May Let us pay homage to great souls Who by dint of their precious say, By dint of their decisive role In the struggle for workers` rights Did not pay heed to their own plight. Let us cherish the daring roars Of pioneers, whether stationed At home or in the distant shores, Who improved working conditions, Brought rays of hope in workers` life And some light in their daily strife. Let us pay tribute to heroes, Who on the place of work were shot Or on the road were dealt blows And for life sustained heavy blots For fair protests lodged in tandem On the pittance dished out to them. Let`s hold in the highest esteem Legislators who did prescribe In the law, themselves to redeem In the eyes of the working tribe, Rights to safeguard the working class And shine as champions of the mass. Let us chant hymns of labour unions That through patient perseverance And years of workers` unison Did press for legal adherence For improving all workers` fate And their due share to allocate.   On Labour Day and everyday Let`s greet dignity of labour, Reflect on struggles on the way, Across centuries, to favour A just, fair and sound relation In process of wealth creation. On Labour Day and everyday Let us honour those who do strive In bitter cold and have no say., Those who toil with their heart alive As those with white collars and pen Who mould the destiny of men. On Labour Day and everyday Let`s pay respect to all workers Whether toiling in central mills, Whether wielding weighty hammers Or sweating in the sun in fields: Whether the tasks are big or small The same dignity have they all.