1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. I walk down the same street.
   There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
   I walk around it.
   
   
5. I walk down another street.

By Portia Nelson