True Friendship
By Thomas E. Kittrell
April 27, 2006
Read 1 Samuel 20 for the background to this poem.
I will shoot an arrow Jonathan told David
Listen as I tell my servant where it flies
If I tell him it went beyond him, take heed
It will be a signal that in the king’s heart evil lies
King Saul threw a fit and his anger raged
Jonathan was faithful to send out the alarm
Because David was a friend dear to his heart
He would warn him of all intended harm
The arrow went beyond you was Jonathan’s cry
David heard the warning and knew he must flee
His life was spared that day because a friend
Was true to his word as David knew he would be
These two young men made a covenant one day
Their friendship was sealed, such a rare kind
It is not often in this world of personal greed
A genuine, lasting friendship like this we find
God would not let young David die that day
He was to be anointed Israel’s next king
Jonathan was used of God that very hour
The warning to his friend he would bring
True friendships such as these are gifts from God
Such we must take care to cultivate and nourish
Their roots are to be planted in our hearts very deep
If watered with loyalty they will grow and flourish
Never stab a friend in the back nor turn him away
Seek his protection from the Father above
By remembering him in your daily prayers
He is your friend, show him brotherly love
