Commuter Omnibuses, Harare (PHOTO: FUNGAIFOTO)
An elderly lady was breathing fire the other day. Kombi fares had shot up in the last hour she had come into town, and now on her return trip home, an astronomical fare had come into place. All she wanted to know was why? Did the hwindis, “loaders” and rank marshals think that money grew on some Zimbabwean trees that only they knew?
Needless to say the response she got from one hwindi in particular was less than savoury. It bordered on contempt and gross disrespect for her gender and age. That set her off.
Then she said, “Munoti muZimbabwe mazara huori, saka regai tese tiite huori, asi tiripo vamwe vasina kuora!” (Roughly, you say that Zimbabwe is now full of corruption, so there is nothing wrong with being corrupt, but after everything we have been through, some of us are still not corrupt…”
It is precisely because that there are still people like this woman willing to take a stand, speak out against injustice (wanton kurohwa pasi petsoka) and who still see and adhere to the value of principles, that my hope for this country remains, even if it will waver from time to time in the face of a seemingly relentless downward spiral.
Yes, I still hope that things will eventually change for the better, perhaps not today or tomorrow, or the day after, but change they will…Does this mean I have to be unrealistic and ignore the bad, ugly and evil in our amidst? Not at all. I will see it, hear of it and experience it first hand, but I simply will not allow it to defeat me. I noted elsewhere that one day, a long time ago now, I came across the Desiderata, and it changed my mindset. Well amidst all we have been through, all that we are going through, and our debates, I saw a need to revisit it again and now I will share it with you:
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they to have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the council of years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.