by Portia Nelson

I. 

I walk down the street. 

There's 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. 

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.