by Kelly Pelton (written 17 Dec 2023)

True friendship has no hierarchy,
no leader or follower designee;
the power is shared, not one as boss
whose authority I shall not cross.

The best of friends show honor twice
through submission and sacrifice
from loving motives, not control,
to edify, exhort, extol.

One having power over another
will inevitably smother
all potential to be soulmates
as the Holy Spirit awaits

openness to all He's forging,
weariness of power-gorging,
longing for a close alliance,
growing in true love's compliance.