An Autobiography in Five Short Chapters

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 forever to find my 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.

 

Portia Nelson

I acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbul peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters on which I live and work. I pay my deepest respects to their Elders past and present. I acknowledge the importance of continuing connection to Country, culture, family and community to the social and emotional wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait people. I acknowledge sovereignty of this land was never ceded.