Friction

“Friction: The action of one surface or object rubbing against another.” – Google

A passive-aggressive sigh from the person waiting in line behind another who for whatever reason takes a little longer than normal — that’s friction born of selfishness.

The self-righteous sentiments of those who argue that guns should be more difficult to acquire so as to stop ‘crazy people’, and of their counterparts who argue that guns should be easier to acquire so as to protect against ‘crazy people’ — in both cases — that’s friction intensified by ignorance.

When molten rock boils and churns beneath the earth until — snap – a violent volcano shakes the land — that’s friction unleashed by conditions.

When pressure, frustration, anger and despair boil and churn in a human being until — snap – a violent shooting shakes the land — that’s friction unleashed by conditions.

A warmhearted sigh from the person in line behind another who for whatever reason takes a little longer than normal — that’s friction quelled by selflessness.

When two opposing sides ‘put down their guns’ and seek collective answers to the shadowy questions beyond what’s in front of them — that’s friction humbled by wisdom.

When plants and critters return decades after an eruption and life is breathed back into a once desolate landscape — that’s friction cooled by conditions.

When everyone has a chance to laugh, it’s not all taken so seriously, encouragement and understanding flow, and when people are kind to one another — that’s friction extinguished by conditions.