Sunday, April 20, 2008

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

This is a poem by Portia Nelson that just nails it in regards to the way many of us do things in life. If you have a re-occuring life pattern that keeps popping up, creating a challenge for you, then I encouarge you to carefully read Portial Nelson's words. Reflect on them. And see what Chapter you currently are reading!

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 hopeless.
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 beleive I am in the same place.
But it isn't my fault.

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 is 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.


Isn't that just the most profound way of putting it? This hits me at a deep level. I found this poem several years ago, and it has helped me tremendously. It creates a reminder for me and helps me see what I am doing. I hope you find it useful as well.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Wow, this is so meaningful. I may use it on my blog as well. Thank you for sharing. I am going to pass the poem around to my friends and family for sure.

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL POST!!! I found this both profound and humorous...human nature in a nutshell. You have such wonderful treasures here. Thanks.