Bad to the Muddy Bone!

Dressed in a pink

cotillion dress

Ready for the ball

her heart ready

for adventure

In her finest pink

rubber boots

She jumps into

the biggest baddest

mud puddle she can find

Mud flying everywhere

Mud in her hair

Mud all over her

cotillion dress

Her laughter rings out

louder than

any ballroom band,

as she molds a crown

of cold brown clay

right in her hand

A princess of the

puddle, a queen

of the storm,

redefining what

it means to

wear a uniform

The frills are stained,

the lace is ruined,

the tulle is a mess,

but there is no regret

on the girl

in the dress.

For what use is a

ballroom, or a pristine

white floor,

when the great, wild earth

is waiting right

outside the door?

She takes a final bow

to an audience

of trees,

wiping a streak of dirt

from her

scabbed-up knees.

Then turns toward the

house with a smile

so bright,

the biggest, baddest 

adventure of the whole

darn night.

© Shannon Scoates

November 9,  2026

By the Weaver Lantern-lit

Truth-spoken Heart-seen

Shannon Scoates is a Canadian poet and intuitive writer whose work is rooted in nature, mysticism, and channeled guidance. Influenced by childhood storytellers like Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, as well as poets such as Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, E.E. Cummings, W.B. Yeats, Robert Frost, and RR Token author Terry Brooks, she began writing at age ten as a way to express emotion and truth. Shannon is also an energy healer trained in Reiki, colour, sound, and vibrational therapy, and she is passionate about helping women find their voice through writing and spiritual connection. A devoted advocate for children’s literature and animal rights, she carries forward the encouragement of her Grampa and Grama, whose spirit continues to guide her creative path. Her first book is currently in development.