Happy Labor Day-A Poem From Me

Did you ever wonder why Labor Day

Was formed to give us rest?

Did you wonder how it happened,

Why someone formed the quest?

The year was Eighteen Ninety-Four,

The railroad union took a stand,

They refused to switch Pullman cars,

Throughout this grand old land.

They struck for higher wages

When their income was reduced.

Their cost of goods still stayed the same,

And they couldn't be seduced.

George Pullman talked quite loftily,

Something they didn't like,

It finally took  US Marshalls

To step in and end the strike.

When George Pullman later died,

His wife and children sobbed,

As they encased his coffin in concrete

So his grave would not be robbed.

After the strike was ended,

Grover Cleveland had his way.

He declared a day to honor workers,

And they called it Labor Day.

Thank you to my forefathers,

Who worked all morns and nights,

To create an easier world,

To ensure I had my rights.

I am so very grateful,

That I can have my say,

I know that working is a privilege,

As is celebrating Labor Day.

©Diana Kosmoski/2011