autobiography in 5 short chapters

I

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I fall in.

I am lost...I am helpless.

It isn't my fault.

It takes me forever to find a way out.

II

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I pretend I don't see it.

I fall in again.

I can't believe I am in the same place

but, it isn't my fault.

It still takes a long time to get out.

III

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I see it is there.

I still fall in... it's a habit.

My eyes are open

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

IV

I walk down the street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

V

I walk down another street.

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

by Portia Nelson

"There's a Hole In My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery"

When I was younger, and much less *seasoned*

I made some major life decision by tossing a coin.

Seemed like a good idea at the time!

It rolled, and landed, leaning up against something.

The coin actually landed on it's side.

Now what?

There is always another way to look at things.