Court Cost Poem by Bill Upton

Through the eyes of a friend
Are seen rare opportunities of comfortable trust
That are not recognized with others.
Advice and criticism are brothers to praise and encouragement
In ways that do not translate to the general populace.
There is no 'time out chair' or 'hurt feelings penalty box' with friends.
All that exists are exposed, raw nerve endings that do not find offense
With direct dialogue,
Recognizing that the ultimate benefit would be one for another.
No matter the crime, no matter the punishment,
The court of friendship does not impose verdicts.
The only ruling that comes down-the only court cost-
Is that the friendship is to be honored as a 'life sentence',
And the key to the cell has been thrown away.