Don’t walk by

Posted on July 30, 2015

Today one of our Advisers was on site and saw this poster. Although we have seen it before, or a version of it, we thought it quite poignant and wanted to post it here for others to see.

We would love to know your thoughts on the poem and whether it would make you think twice.

Don’t Walk By

I could have saved a life today
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 be 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 it before, 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 chose to look the other way.

Now every time I see his wife
I’ll know I should have saved his life
This 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 the 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 chose to look the other way.

Author – Don Merrell