"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 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 waled 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

Author: DON MERRILL