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I Chose To Look The Other Way

Posted by Joseph Ceccarelli on Mon, Aug 18, 2008
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I wanted to share this poem with you.

 

"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."

                                 Don Merrell

                                               

 

Simply look out for yourselves and for each other.

 

 

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COMMENTS

Thanks for sharing this Joe. It's a great lesson.  
 
Too few people are willing to put themselves out there and see how they can help someone. Whether someone is in a life and death situation or not, it's possible to change people's lives by putting yourself out there.

posted @ Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:00 AM by peter caputa


I couldn't agree more Pete. I think your thoughts are dead on. 
 
Thanks!

posted @ Tuesday, August 19, 2008 3:57 PM by Joseph Ceccarelli


When I read this yesterday, I knew that I would comment, but it took a few readings before I realized how. I see that Pete replied and I know him as a person that puts himself out there, whether he's telling people that their website sucks, they need sales help, or they should keep on blogging because they're great. He's not afraid to get involved and isn't that, after all, the difference? When I see people that are crappy salespeople, I tell them. I don't care what they think of me. I DON'T WANT TO BE PART OF THE PROBLEM. We people that God gave a talent to are obligated to use it and if we don't use the talent that God gave us at EVERY OPPORTUNITY, we are part of the problem.

posted @ Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:20 PM by Rick Roberge


Rick, thank you for your insight on this matter. Even though the poem is safety based I agree that the message is greater.

posted @ Thursday, August 21, 2008 3:29 PM by Joseph Ceccarelli


This poem is fantastic! It was written by a trainer at my work, Don Merrell, and every time I read it I get the chills. Thanks for passing this along!

posted @ Friday, October 10, 2008 10:07 AM by Tana Christensen


the first time I watched the film at chevron (Philippines)refinery, I can still picture the incident. I could not forget it ever since. It made me a better safety officer.

posted @ Thursday, June 25, 2009 4:13 AM by ronald naces


i thought this poem had a unkown author when i first heard it about 10 years ago 
 

posted @ Sunday, December 13, 2009 10:14 PM by ray hemen


I'm not sure how long ago he wrote it, but he has a copyright on it, and it has been translated into at least 4 languages! He has many many others if you would like his contact information! He uses his amazing poetry talent for reaching our employees regarding safety.

posted @ Monday, December 14, 2009 11:55 AM by Tana Christensen


I think it is a very powerful message that I guess we need to get across to everyone in all walks of life. It seems like we have really forgotten what it is to be human and to be able to speak up if something is not right. If we all took charge of our life and really spoke up if someone was at risk of hurting themselves or someone else, we would have fewer injuries in the world and everyone will have their love ones come home to them every night. I guess this can be broken down into basic terms: YOU HAVE A CHOICE, Speak up, potentially save someone’s life and cop the flack they will give you….. OR……. Walk past something, explain yourself to a family, watch them grieve, probably be fined and be haunted by it for the rest of your life............... Everyone is human and we all have flaws. Please speak up, everyone forgets things. Trust me, their families will thank you for it.

posted @ Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:46 AM by Nick Hollywood


I read Ray Hemen's comments. I am a supervisor with the Ministry of Natural Resources Fire Program. I think Don Merrell's poem is excellent and would like to incorporate it into our effort to promote a strong safety culture as our line of work can be very dangerous. I would like to contact Don to understand more about the copyright and using his poem, and also to see some more of his great poetry related to safety. I am wondering if this contact info is available??? Thanks a bunch in advance

posted @ Monday, March 01, 2010 1:16 PM by Steve Toman


I am happy to hear of your safety culture efforts. Safety is a tough business, and the buy-in from employees can be a real struggle at times. Don Merrell has some wonderfully touching poems, that really get employees wanting to participate, as they can relate the poems to their own lives. His e-mail is don.merrell@simplot.com.

posted @ Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:23 AM by Tana Christensen


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