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 the 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 is there.


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.