A Dance Between Fear and Illusion

In the annals of time, strange tales abound,
Of minds ensnared where reason is drowned.
From ancient streets to modern screens,
We’ve danced to the rhythm of baffling scenes.

It began in the summer of 1518,
A woman danced, silent, serene.
In Strasbourg’s square, she swayed and twirled,
Her motion a mystery to the waking world.

Others joined, their feet entranced,
An epidemic of compulsive dance.
Day turned to night, and night to day,
Bodies fell where their spirits swayed.

Doctors proclaimed it a fevered spell,
Clergy cried, “The wrath of Hell!”
Yet deeper forces churned within,
Mass hysteria, humanity’s twin.

Centuries later, as the world evolved,
Another chapter remained unsolved.
From poisoned wells to witches’ flame,
Our fears found culprits, ever the same.

In Salem’s court, accusations flew,
Hysteria thrived, as reason withdrew.
Minds deceived by collective dread,
Innocent lives left cold and dead.