I used to celebrate May Day — not the traditional Labor holiday (that’s celebrated in September in the US lest someone think we’re communists). I celebrated the genteel holiday where people flirted by leaving baskets of flowers on someone’s porch, ringing the doorbell, and running before one got caught. It wasn’t as genteel when I did it — I remember jumping over the railing of a long set of outdoor stairs about halfway down. I never understood the holiday — the idea was if the other person caught you, they would kiss you. Why am I avoiding this? Why would I deliver a basket to someone I didn’t want to kiss? It seems really passive-aggressive. It made more sense when I was seven.
I haven’t delivered May baskets for years — the idea being I’m much too busy with work and writing. I also don’t know if my husband would appreciate one, to be honest. And why would I run away from him?
This year, May Day is becoming a protest day, where people are gathering to protest our president. This is a good use for May Day. I am not near a protest, or else I’d get out with the rest of them.
Words Like Me 