just because i have saved the drowning man
then i shall be forever responsible for him?

i disagree.

i saved a snake and it does not bite me.
i sheltered a scorpion, i adopted a crocodile
put them in their comfortable homes

and the world has since then become a happier place
for man and snakes and beasts.

RIC S. BASTASA

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/saving-a-drowning-man/