Jessy Randall

Mary Treat (1830-1923)

I keep my spiders like
stores keep candy.
Fill jars with mosses
so guests don’t startle.
The jars line the windows
at eye-level. I study
the spiders like kids
stare at sweets.

When I found the lily
I knew it was something.
I schooled Darwin on bugs.
I’m steady. I’m plain. I write
like a woman and invite readers in.