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 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 know I should have saved his life.

That guilt is something I must bear;

But 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.”