Inspired by early morning resolutions...more running, continue learning the Chopin Polonaise Fantasie, eat better, drink less, write more, become more skilled with photography, meditate...I'm reminded that this habit of early morning resolution-making is the result of so much unfinished business. This list is a recurring list to which I only need to commit. And so, I'm out for that run, but not without first reviewing this poem, a favorite.

 

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

 

Chapter 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.

 

Chapter 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.

 

Chapter 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.

 

Chapter 4

 

I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

 

Chapter 5

 

I walk down another street.

 

~ Portia Nelson ~