The sad song of Babello the bluebuck

Zoey the zoomouse and her partner, Zeek, meet a creature that is feeling the blues. But the Hippotragus leucophaeus’ musical stylings are all that seem to share that color.

(Zoey and Zeek hear singing nearby.)

Babello: Since my baby left me….

Zoey: Oh, my.

Zeek: That sounds like someone singing.

Babello: She took my house, she took my dog, she took my money too….

Zeek: Wow! That woman doesn’t sound very nice.

Zoey: It’s okay, Zeek. I think it’s just a song.

Zeek: Where is it coming from?

Zoey: Over here.

(They run towards the sound.)

Zoey: Shhh, quiet, you don’t want to disturb him.

Zeek: (Whispers) I don’t know, he’s singing, right? He must want someone to listen to him. He’s right behind that bush.

(The singing changes to a hum.)

Zoey: Ready with your camera, Zeek?

Zeek: Ready!

(They part the branches. They see an antelope-like creature sitting by the water. It sees their reflection in the water and looks up, surprised.)

Babello: …

Zoey: I’m very sorry to disturb you. Please continue.

Babello: I did not know anyone was listening.

Zeek: Oh, we were listening, and may I say what a fine voice you have. So much emotion, so much sadness.

Zoey: That was very polite, Zeek. I’m starting to rub off on you. I’m Zoey, and this is Zeek.

Babello: Greetings to you both. I am called Babello. How are you?

Zoey: We are fine. I hope we get to hear some of your wonderful singing.

Babello: Perhaps in a little bit. I was feeling blue just now, and so I was singing the blues, but singing makes me feel better and so now I’m just not feeling it! But give me a second. Soon I’ll be sad again and then I’ll sing.

Zeek: Oh!

Zoey: I can understand. May I ask what type of creature you are? You look very familiar.

Babello: Really? Who do I remind you of?

Zoey: Well, I’d say an antelope of some sort.

Babello: I am a Bluebuck. Although I’ve often been called a blue antelope, too. You obviously have a good eye for antelopes.

Zoey: Well, it’s my job to be observant.

Babello: You do it well.

Zeek: A blue antelope, eh?

Babello: Yes, sir.

Zeek: Are you blue underneath your fur?

Babello: No, Zeek. No blue. There is no blue anywhere, except in my heart. (Singing again) Baby, baby, don’t you do me no wrong…

Zoey: (Over the top of the music) How did you get your name, then?

Babello: I have dark skin and dark shades of fur with yellow flecks. Perhaps, as the sun hit me, the light was reflected with a blue tint. Some authors wrote that they saw it. It’s a matter of opinion, though. All my kind are dead now, and the specimens that remain don’t show a blue color. Now, that’s a recipe for the blues—everyone and everything you knew is gone. It makes me want to sing.

Zoey: Where did you live, Babello?

Babello: In South Africa. That’s where most of us lived. For all I know, there were no other places where you might find us. But if it’s okay, I’d rather not talk about home. I might sing about home, though…

Zoey: (Hurriedly) That’s okay, I understand.

Zeek: I know how you feel. I was sad once. There was this big piece of cheese…

Zoey: Zeek! It’s not the same!

Babello: You are very kind to share your sadness with me. I don’t know any songs about cheese, but I’m sure they’re very soulful.

(Zeek gets choked up.)

Zeek: Yes. *Sniff* It was a really big piece, and I didn’t get any of it!

Babello: Yes, my friend—you, too, understand the blues. Come sing with me!

Zeek: Really? But I don’t know how to sing.

Babello: You don’t sing the blues, my friend, the blues sing you!

(Babello begins to sing, with Zeek soon joining in.)

Babello: Mean woman, mean woman,
Mean woman, wonder why you're so mean?

Zeek: Why are you so, so mean?

Babello: Mean woman, mean woman,
Mean woman, why you're so mean?

Zeek: Why be so mean?

Babello: And that's why I'm gonna leave you, mean woman,
Mean woman, you're so mean!

Zeek: So mean, so mean, so mean!

Zoey: Now I’m starting to feel the blues!