Kwende sat impatiently huddled in his tent waiting for the fierce sandstorm to blow over.  Impatient was how his people saw him.  Always dashing here and there.  His first wife called him a clumsy American cowboy forever swinging around kicking up sand and collapsing the tent.  Wife number two sat him down one day and explained to him that she needed a husband who was more laid back.  A man that did not always feel the need to compete; to always appear more knowledgeable than everyone else.  She rightly predicted his fast pace would lead to the end of their relationship sooner rather than later.   Kwende would unfortunately never know what it means to relax and approach daily life from a calm place within.  Always on stage, he was the complete opposite of his friend Koro.  Kwende observed how the people around Koro felt he was changing and didn’t understand it.  Mainly because people dislike change of any kind.  Especially if they become too attached or lack the ability to comfortably create and follow their own path.  Common courtesy is respecting the perimeters set by those around you.

              Koro didn’t see Kwende very often so tolerated his brief visits without bothering to point out every little thing he disliked about him.  Of course if Kwende were to alter his pattern and attempt to visit more often, Koro would require he change some his annoying habits in order to be tolerated.  It is said that you shouldn’t try and change someone but respect and accept him or her the way they are.  It is also true that no two people, related or not, is obligated to associate with each other.  It is a courtesy extended based on the individuals personal preference. 

              It would take a mutual desire to cultivate a closer relationship between Koro and Kwende- no matter how much compromising only one is willing to do.  Koros discovered he has a more interesting visit with someone he hasn’t seen in a long time apposed to the meandering gibberish that result from frequent conversations. The rarely seen guest is not likely to make false assumptions thinking they have the right to do or say anything they please in your presence.  They’re more likely to listen closely and take you more seriously.  They will not run in and out turning someone else’s home into a zoo of activity.  They will not bring a stranger or another uninvited guest to your front door expecting to get in.  If their smart enough to realize you don’t really like them very much, they will stop coming around altogether.

             Kwende recognize that for Koro, there is no room for compromise and currently below zero tolerance level.  He knew Koro was hoping he wouldn’t have to make an example out of someone to illustrate his point.  He refused to exist in a world where no matter what you say or do; it’s interpreted the wrong way.   A negative way.

             Kwende exited his tent as the dark cloud moved allowing the stark sun to start its poignant healing process.  Like the powerful transitions in nature, there was something unique about Koro that made Kwende want to maintain an association.  He had a feeling most people felt that way about the social recluse.  Even if they didn’t want to.  Even if Koro didn’t want them to.