By Abubakar D. Sani, Esq

As ties go
Few are as strong
As those forged
In the days of old

Yes - when, as youths,
We were fancy-free
Without responsibilities
Save, to our books

As students, of course
At school, in the days of yore
Regardless of the stage
Primary, Secondary or Undergraduate

What fond memories!
Of mirth, pranks and mischief
Friendships forged for a lifetime
And, more, besides

So strong are those bonds
That they humble
Others forged elsewhere
Both before, and, since then

Technology has surely played its part
Particularly, those of a certain Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook, Whatsapp, Instagram
Never mind Youtube, Twitter and others

Unfortunately, its promise
Has also proved to be its curse
As, many have turned it
Into what it was never meant for

Instruments of abuse and conceit
Veritable platforms for extremism
Dispensed wantonly and recklessly
With scant regard for the victim(s)

This, however, risks tarring all
With the same brush
As, arguably, not all posts – as such
Are malevolent – most are not

Old school ties have not been spared
As many a post - regardless of intent
Has touched the odd raw nerve
And provoked a storm of protest

When does the spirit of camaraderie
- In public, at least -
Go too far as to hurt
One, if not some - or even all?

Which standard should be adopted
About what is acceptable and what is not:
That of the man on the Clapham Omnibus?
Or that of an egg-head?

Should the majority
Be subjected to the tyranny
Of singularity - or even a minority
Simply to pander to whimsy or caprice?

As ever, it is a question of values
In this, is there such a thing
As an absolute truth,
Or, is it what we perceive it to be?

What is our moral compass?
Do we look outward or inward?
Questions and more questions,
Begging for answers

Where do we start?
What about religion?
Have we played our part?
Who is the man in the mirror?

Has it occurred to us
That our ‘favourite’ demons
Might be worse versions of ourselves
And that only God is perfect?

Short of playing God, however
We should find it in our hearts
To be as tolerant of others as can be
Otherwise we would be guilty of bigotry

Written By Abubakar D. Sani, Esq., Kano/Abuja, 14th November, 08034533892