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.

I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.  I fall in.  I can't believe I'm in the
same place, but it isn't my fault.  It still takes a long time to
get out.

I walk down the 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.

I walk down the street. There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.

I walk down a different street.


            --Portia Nelson