A name shines bright, a guiding light.

Margaret “Mattie” Knight

From York, Maine, her journey sprung,

A trailblazer and an inventor her work is unsung

A machine’s Folded and glued, with care and grace,

A flat-bottomed bag, to serve the human race.

In every store, its fame took flight,

Thanks to Mattie’s ingenious insight.

But envy’s shadow, a thief’s dark art,

Stole her creation, and sought to tear her apart.

A man claimed credit, deceit unfurled,

To patent her work, a claim to the world

In the court of law, the battle found,

A woman’s intellect, on trial, profound.

“He said, she said,” the arguments did rise,

He dared to doubt her, to patronize.

“A woman’s mind,” he dared declare,

“Could never grasp machines’ affair.”

But Mattie Knight, with strength untamed,

Her brilliance proved, and her case was reclaimed.

With evidence strong, she stood her ground,

Her machine’s architect, victory found.

A patent earned, her rights upheld,

Against injustice, she defiantly rebelled.

Over a hundred machines, her mind did sow,

Inventions blossomed, ingenuity’s glow.

Twenty patents claimed, a testament clear,

To her remarkable talent, the world held dear.

A rotary engine, a shoe-cutter’s tool,

A window frame with a sash, innovation’s jewel.

Yet, amidst her creations, one stands tall,

The paper bag’s allure, is beloved by all.

Through the winds of time, it has endured,

Her gift to us, her legacy assured.

In every hand, a bag to hold,

brilliance in the paper fold.

So, if you’ve ever used a bag at the store,

A debt of gratitude to Mattie, don’t ignore

Her mark on history, now the truth is known

An inventor’s soul, brilliance shown.