Temporary rifts are instigated by factors like distrust stemming from history and prejudice; promises that have been unfulfilled and loyalty embedded in skin. The subjects include the lowly, the hurt, egomaniacs, opportunists, the misinformed, the traditionalists, the naïve and the elitist who treasure their privilege. Something heard or said, something inherited or bred, we are exposed. Some say they are godly but seem to abandon God and godliness during this time; masks are removed to reveal ugliness much more grotesque that the face of any man. A display of puppetry with the majority choosing to hang on strings of red, black and gold or green and yellow. In some spaces where there is usually unity, suddenly, you are not my neighbour. In some spaces where loyalty should exist, suddenly, you are not my friend. In some spaces where it is the blood that binds us, suddenly, you are not my kin.
During the 2015 election campaign, ties were cut with two acquaintances because of opposing political views. I say acquaintances now, because I do not believe genuine friendships should end because of politics. In both instances I was not the one who chose to sever ties. At first, I was surprised, but I choose not to mourn lost friendships. Often, we expect much when the evidence that just a smidgen of our expectations will actually come to be, stares us in the face.
