Friday 10 January 2014

Chapters of our Lives

A year ago at about this same time, in a different city and in fact country, my paradigm shifted. So much had changed, not due to anyone's fault not even mine.

Life happened and decisions made years before were coming into fruition. Sitting in my room filled with more memories than furnishings, my ever faithful laptop provided solace.

Scouring the Internet to distract myself as the remnants of the Christmas 'blues' ebbed from my heart, I came across this poem. Weeping as I heard my name being called by the silent voice of Portia Nelson, an "Autobiography in Five Chapters" became my soliloquy.

Have a read. In fact, this poem requires at least three readings.  Pour yourself a glass of wine or make an hot beverage and reflect on these power-filled words. Then answer the question,  "What chapter are you writing now?"

Share your thoughts with me in the comments box or send a private message. Cheers!

Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

By Portia Nelson
I
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 me forever to find a way out.
II
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.
III
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.
IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.

Copyright (c) 1993, by Portia Nelson from the book There's A Hole in My Sidewalk: The Romance of Self-Discovery
















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