Labor Day

The fact that we can rest today
We owe to those who came before;
They waged a thankless,  brutal war
And struck, forgoing work and pay
To change the world and have their say,
Demanding to be treated more
Like people. They kicked down the door
Enduring hardship on the way
So we as well as they could be
Our better selves: free to pursue
Something beyond the drudge of sweat;
To meet the world with dignity
Doing the things we want to do.
We celebrate; but don't forget.