Favorite Poem(s): Based on a "Writing from the Heart" Assignment

 

“There’s A Hole in My Sidewalk: Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” ~ by Portia Nelson

Chapter 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 a way out.

Chapter 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.

Chapter 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 … but,

My eyes are open.

I know where I am.

It is my fault.

I get out immediately.

Chapter IV

I walk down the same street.

There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.

I walk around it.

Chapter V

I walk down another street.

This poem is a metaphor of our habits, our chronic beliefs, our dysfunctional need to act out unconscious messages. This poem explains that we may have to go through many attempts in figuring out what we need to do to change our lives for the better to live up to our true potential.

Change is hard, self-reflection is very uncomfortable. Coming out of the fog of living mechanically and repetitiously and habitually can be painful and excruciating.  

Chapter one and two shows what happens when we are struggling with denial, murky trance, daze and state of confusion when we are in ignorance and unawareness.

Chapter three and four shows the beginning of awareness. The beginning of refection. The beginning of thinking in new ways. What is able to be done, feasible, and achievable.

Chapter five is nirvana, peace, free, wide open new sidewalk with new experiences and possibilities. This is now your way, your street, and your life. Self-agency, will power, autonomy, ability, confidence restored.

This poem is a powerful reminder that we all have the power to change our lives. It may take time and effort, but it is possible to break free from our old habits and patterns and create a new path for ourselves. The first step is to become aware of our own blind spots and limitations. Once we see where we are, we can start to make changes. It may not be easy, but it is possible. And the rewards are worth it.

This poem also teaches us the importance of self-responsibility. We cannot blame others for our problems. We are the ones who create our own reality.

This poem is a call to action. It challenges us to wake up, take responsibility for our lives, and create the change we want to see.

The poem is a reminder that we are not alone. We all struggle with our own challenges. But we can overcome them together.

Georgia