Holes

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

by 

Portia Nelson

Chapter One

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 forever to find a way out.

Chapter Two

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 this same place.

But, it isn't my fault 

It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter Three

I walk down the same street. 

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 

I see it there.

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

my eyes are open.

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter Four

I walk down the same street. 

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. 

I walk around it.

Chapter Five

I walk down another street.