LABOR DAY - Anastasia Suen

Writing a Small Poem

What is the story? Labor Day is this weekend. It’s a time to remember American workers past and present as shown in this photo by Jonathan. The photo reminds me of my grandparents who both worked an airplane factory in California during World War II. (Yes, my grandmother was a Rosie the Riveter lady!) The P-51 Mustangs they built inspired my picture book, AIR SHOW. That’s my LABOR DAY story — and my final August #smallpoem.

Now it’s your turn! What is your LABOR DAY story?

13 Comments

Tracey Kiff-Judson Posted on5:38 am - September 1, 2023

Thank you for the reminder about the meaning of Labor Day. How interesting that your grandparents worked in an airplane factory. What a dedicated and noble generation!

Denise Krebs Posted on9:44 am - September 1, 2023

Anastasia, I like what Tracey said, “What a dedicated and noble generation” your grandparents were a part of. Yes, here’s to workers and to labor unions, which protect them. My story is one of hope that unions will grow stronger again and that companies don’t take advantage of workers.

Carol Varsalona Posted on11:23 am - September 1, 2023

Anastasia, how fascinating to hear your grandmother was Rosie.. during WWII. Your small poem rings true. Thanks for your seeet remembrance of Labor Day!

Linda BAi Posted on12:53 pm - September 1, 2023

Love that your grandmother was a Rosie the Riveter, Anastasia. My only story is of one of my husband’s uncles, a union supporter who talked often (years ago) about keeping the unions safe. He was a master carpenter. I guess we didn’t keep them safe but now I’m glad unions are working hard to make a comeback for better working conditions! Thanks for the shoutout for them!

Margaret Simon Posted on2:18 pm - September 1, 2023

I love how this poem connects to your grandparents in such a real and admiral way.

Margaret Simon Posted on2:19 pm - September 1, 2023

*admirable (not admiral)

Diane Anderson (newtreemom) Posted on6:29 pm - September 1, 2023

I like how you honored workers and connected to your grandparents. A book I enjoyed sharing with students related to Labor Day is Someone Builds the Dream by Lisa Wheeler and Loren Long. After a read aloud, students drew a picture of a family member at work… it made me remember the picture I drew of my dad the plumber when I was in 1sr grade… a lot of years ago, but I can still see the details like the oval patch with his name sewed on his blue shirt.

Lou Piccolo Posted on8:54 pm - September 1, 2023

Anastasia, I always enjoy your small poems because they’re small and succinct.
How fascinating about your grandmother! Did she tell you many stories?

Linda Mitchell Posted on3:30 am - September 2, 2023

This is a great post–and poster! Love that Rosie Riveter connection.

Patricia Franz Posted on5:27 am - September 2, 2023

From end of May to Labor Day
the calendar allows:
Bust out your whites!
You’ve earned the right
to clothe yourself in clouds.

But after that, woe to those
who choose a ghostly hue.
Summer’s over!
Autumn color
rules the closet roost!

Carol J. Labuzzetta Posted on9:56 am - September 2, 2023

Hi Anastasia! My labor day story is different than most. 29 years ago, I labored on labor day. My first son was born and he arrived the evening of labor day! Although the date changes each year, I always associate Labor Day now with his birth. I’ll have to come up with a small poem for that story! Thanks!

Marcie Flinchum Atkins Posted on11:53 am - September 2, 2023

Love that Rosie the Riveter story. I’m researching for a new book based on a family circumstance in the 40s and my grandmother worked at a plant, was widowed (at the time), and had 6 kids. I truly don’t know how she did it.

Rose Cappelli Posted on9:36 am - September 3, 2023

Love your small poems, and thanks for the glimpse into your family history.