Lech Walesa was born in Poland and became
An electrician and mechanic. He supported
Student strikes, was bugged by secret police, thwarted.
He worked at the Shipyards, was fired, in shame
For trying to organize workers for better conditions.
Men were dying, undervalued, underpaid. Imprisoned
And later released, he climbed the walls to lead
The nation’s workers who awoke, in ‘Solidarity.’
The Polish government which first outlawed the unions
Began to listen and permit these associations.
Their agreement “stands out as a great charter,” he said.*
The right of workers to organize is a human right.
By peace achieved, he reassured workers worldwide.
His work showed Peace in union with rights and dignity.
June Edvenson 