It broke the year in two,
Season of struggle, season of prosperity,
As plants blossomed trees fruited
Lands gifted their nurturing soul,
For Humanity to survive, live another day
Rejoice, reuniting in celebration at every lap
Around its star punctual to the appointment,
Words in melodies moving bodies
To earthly rhythms a life-giving Goddess.
May baskets of sweets and flowers
Anonymously left on neighbours’ doorsteps
Labouring in fields and sharing for all
To move forward, until bombs exploded
In heated Haymarkets where crowds demanded
Eight-hour days and Universal peace.
May day a hymn, to life and workers.
 
[Featured image: Haymarket Riot, 1886]