regrets

I regret that one time first semester when I didn't stop that girl. She didn't notice that she dropped her sweater on the street while walking to her class. She was a little ahead of me, so it would have taken me some effort for me to pick it up and run up to her and give it to her. But it wouldn't have killed me. When I walked back past that same street later that day, I saw the sweater on the floor, dirtied and soiled. I wondered if the girl was cold that day without it. I hope not.

I regret that one time last semester when I didn't help that girl. It was raining, she she was running down a hill. She slipped and fell, and her books and papers were scattered all over on the wet pavement. It was near a bus stop, where people were gathered, squished, trying to avoid the rain. We all just stood there and watched her trying to pick up her things. Maybe she would have been even more embarrassed if I went over to help her. Or maybe she would have appreciated my act of kindness. Either way, I didn't act. And now I regret.

I regret that one time a few weeks ago when I didn't help that guy. He was riding his bike, a little too fast, down the street when he hit a curb. He literally flipped over and skidded a few feet on his hands. His front bike wheel was completely mangled. People laughed. I didn't. I gasped. But I'm just as guilty; I didn't do anything to help. I just continued to walk on by as I stared at him with pity.

One of my main regrets is one that I realized just a few moments ago. I regret that I didn't confront that girl when I should have weeks ago. I thought I shouldn't interfere, that it wasn't my place. But I should have. Even though our friendship was at stake, I should have risked it anyway. Even if it could have made her turn away from everything I believe in, I should have. Now it's too late. I'm afraid she's given too much of herself away. And now I'm at a loss... I don't know what to do.




I am the Levite. I am the priest. I am the one walking by on the other side of the road. I am what is wrong with this world.