Is your life worth his?

An executioner stands ready for the command
an answer to a question the king does demand

will you take his place? or will you watch him die?
you find yourself at a quandary full of when or why

this man has robbed several times, his crime is true
but will you give your life for him? what will you do?

this did not steal for covetousness, he stole to eat
his family is starving, they feel lucky at a little bit of wheat

but the king still asks for an answer, his life or yours?
many men have pondered this decision, with many sores

what will you do? is your life higher than his?
a simple question and a difficult answer, all it is