Nine passed him by with a hasty look, <br />Each bent on his eager way; <br />One glance at him was the most they took, <br />'Somebody stuck,' said they; <br />But it never occurred to the nine to heed <br />A stranger's plight and a stranger's need. <br />The tenth man looked at the stranded car, <br />And he promptly stopped his own. <br />'Let's see if I know what your troubles are,' <br />Said he in a cheerful tone; <br />'Just stuck in the mire. Here's a cable stout, <br />Hitch onto my bus and I'll pull you out.' <br />'A thousand thanks,' said the stranger then, <br />'For the debt that I owe you; <br />I've counted them all and you're one in ten <br />Such a kindly deed to do.' <br />And the tenth man smiled and he answered then, <br />'Make sure that you'll be the one in ten.' <br />Are you one of the nine who pass men by <br />In this hasty life we live? <br />Do you refuse with a downcast eye <br />The help which you could give? <br />Or are you the one in ten whose creed <br />Is always to stop for the man in need?<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-one-in-ten/
