Hat Bueckert Poet Rondeau Redouble

The Dancing Plague of 1518: Collaboration With Dilly Dally

The Dancing Plague of 1518: Collaboration with Dilly Dally

A plague cursed, until death they dance
Until forever lasts this plight
Moving hypnotic deep in trance
Onlookers revel at the sight

From days to weeks, from dawn til' night
Hysteria spread the expanse
Collapse in exhaust by firelight
A plague cursed, until death they dance

Can I dance myself free perchance
Repent and be rid of this smite
I bleed amidst this endless prance
Until forever lasts this plight

Exhaustion sets with hope just slight
Up to Saint Vitus' healing glance
Limbs swinging limp, glazed eyes contrite
Moving hypnotic deep in trance

Free me of sin, my soul enhance
Crosses on shoes to quell the fright
Quicken the end, I beg advance
Onlookers revel at the sight

They fell in numbers, losing might
By now all but God looked askance
Dance to rest and read the last rite
All life is but a game of chance
A plague cursed

May 22, 2023

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Sotto Poet May 29, 2023 at 5:16 AM The collaboration between these two exceptional poetesses was truly remarkable. The work was delightful with its stunning imagery and carefully selected vocabulary, as well as its skillful juxtaposition of views and ideas. It was evident that much thought and effort had been put into the creation of this piece. Hat Bueckert May 29, 2023 at 7:56 PM Very kind of you to say, it was a fun project with an excellent poet :) !