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I Chose to Look The Other Way

Originally posted on August 10, 2022 @ 4:49 PM

Before you post this poem on the wall as gospel please take a minute to read this article: When Only More Guilt Will Do

I Chose to Look The Other Way – I could have saved a life that day

by Don Merrell

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 spoke up, he might get sore.

 

The chances didn’t seem that bad,

I’d 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 that 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 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.

 

donmerrell@hotmail.com

Before you post this poem on the wall as gospel please take a minute to read this article: When Only More Guilt Will Do

Barry Spud

Barry Spud

Safety Crusader, BBS Fanatic, Zero Harm Zealot, Compliance Controller and Global Pandemic Expert at Everything Safety
Barry Spud