I Chose to Look the Other Way

I could have saved a life that day,
but I chose to look the other way.
It wasn't that I didn't care, I had the time, and I was there.
But I didn't want to seem a fool, or argue over a safety rule
I knew he'd done the job before, if I called it wrong, he might get sore.
The chances didn't seem that bad,
I've done the same, he knew I had.
So I shook my head and walked on by,
he knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance, I closed an eye, and with the act,
I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.
Now every time I see his wife, I'll know I should have saved his life.
That guilt is something I must bear, but it isn't something you need to share.
If you see a risk that others take, that puts their health or life at stake.
The question asked, or thing you say,
could help them live another day.
If you see a risk and walk away,
then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day, but I chose to look the other way.

By Don Merrell