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#WDYS Image credit: Suefeldberg (istockphoto)

Alas And Alack: What Do You See

I hear the lamentโ€”
alas and alack at once
get out of your way!
when trying to free your mind
often the mountain is you

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I hear the lamentโ€”
when trying to free your mind
get out of your way!
alas and alack at once
often the mountain is you

ยฉ selma

[which flows better? I feel #2 is clearer; or should there be a #3?]

Written for What Do You See, # 224- February 5, 2024, for Sadje: The image shows graffiti painted on the metallic side of a bridge that reads FREE YOUR MIND.


Image from #WDYS โ€” credit: Suefeldberg (istockphoto)

Thank YOU for reading ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ

Selma Martin
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This Post Has 41 Comments

  1. Anonymous

    #2, at least for me! <3

  2. beth

    yes, we are the biggest block to ourselves – best said in #3 in my mind

  3. Sadje

    I like the flow of the second one better. But both hold a potent message. Thanks for joining in.

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for the prompt, Sadje. My first participation this year ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ

      1. Sadje

        Thanks ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿผ

  4. dorahak

    Well said, Selma. And in powerful poetry.

    1. Selma Martin

      New profile picโ€”I like it ๐Ÿ’•
      Thanks for the comment, dear friend. Xo

      1. dorahak

        You’re welcome, Selma! I don’t like changing profile pics and confusing everyone’s feed but it’s more up-to-date at least ๐Ÿ˜‰. Glad you like it!

          1. dorahak

            ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜€๐Ÿ’–

  5. Mason Bushell

    I like the flow and message of 2 best. I am a master at standing in my own way too! Well done.

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks for checking me out, Mason. I appreciate it so much. Please come again. ๐Ÿ˜‰

    1. Selma Martin

      We are our own worst enemies. We be must be more mindful of this. Xoxo

  6. memadtwo

    I agree that #2 flows best. Excellent thought, either version. (K)

  7. muttado1sb

    Very nicely done, Selma! I like the flow of version #2 better. I keep stumbling between lines 2 and 3 of version #1 as I get in my own way trying to read through it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Selma Martin

      alas and alackโ€” at once, get out of your way! ๐Ÿ˜œ thanks, Stephan xo

      1. Selma Martin

        Stephen ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ

    2. Anonymous

      ” often the mountain is you”
      Do truly stated

  8. Michele Lee

    Starting with “alas and alack” works for me. #1

    Poetic truth in both!

    1. Selma Martin

      Thanks a ton for reading and offering this lovely bit of you. Appreciate you. ๐Ÿ™‡๐Ÿฝโ€โ™€๏ธ

      1. Michele Lee

        You’re very welcome expressive you! ๐Ÿ˜Šโœจ

  9. Maria Michaela

    Oooohhh love this! Both are really well but #2 feels a little better for me

  10. ben Alexander

    Selma, this, as always, is insightful. I love how you capture the internal struggle to overcome obstacles and find liberation within oneself.

    ~David

  11. Elizabeth

    I completely agree, we are the mountain, the barrier for our own freedom.

    1. Selma Martin

      Yes. And sad that sometimes we donโ€™t even notice. Thanks for commenting, Elizabeth. Xo

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