May 1st
International Workers Day
El dia del Trabajo
Each year, I march to celebrate workers' and immigrants' rights
I remember that most times the sun shines
while participants carry signs and cardboard butterflies
Some Latinos from the community bring their children in strollers
Yes, I can spot some of our students and one or two faculty there
We dance through the streets
waiving to store owners and onlookers, laughing and chatting
The contagious happy atmosphere is exhilarating
Today, something else is contagious and there was no march to attend
Like fellow faculty, I spent the day sitting through zoom meetings
To make it more contrasting, no trace of sun in this damp day
And many local Latinos are trying to survive
Many lost jobs, many do not have any income
And others are evicted
worrying about family in detention centers
Even when paying taxes, no stimulus check has come
Nor will come
Not citizens, undocumented, illegal
I learned those words speak of lesser people
Not quite like the rest of us
Across the nation, some must work in meat procesing plants
Together with other immigrants and people of color
Fearing for their lives
Essential, yet not deserving
Useful, yet expendable
Today, I am sad and angry
Angry at injustice,
Angry at indifference
In the end, it just increases my commitment
To change things for the better
To fight for equity
To have a more inclusive world
Where the sun shines