The Gazelle — A Fable: Behind the Story

Like I said in my intro, I had wanted to write a fairy tale about a gazelle.

I had wanted to write about a shared experience that many of us have, the feeling that the person the world sees is not always who we feel we are. Don’t many of us feel that way? Harry Chapin thought so when he wrote his first hit single, a 6:44 epic called “Taxi,” released in 1972 on his first studio album, Heads & Tales. The song is full of his signature storytelling and irony, but the lines below have always stood out for me (about 2:53 into the song):

Oh, I've got something inside me

To drive a princess blind

There's a wild man, wizard

He's hiding in me, illuminating my mind

Oh, I've got something inside me

Not what my life's about

'Cause I've been letting my outside tide me

Over 'til my time, runs out

Later, this central idea for the story gained momentum as I saw many of my students struggling with their identities, trying to understand who they were and find their place in the world. Thus “The Gazelle” was born.

But I had a problem.

Most of us may feel like the world does not see the real us, but few of us identify with Maisy in the story. You know what happens with a story like this where you can’t identify with any of the characters? It’s a dud.

During a weekend away with my dad and brother, I had some time to reflect on who the story is about. Maisy, of course. Right?

Not so fast. Maisy might be the central character, but does she learn any lessons? Not really.

I think the crux of the story lies with the Moon. I look around everyday and see people trying to fit in, to feel comfortable in their skin, and understand who they are. Quite frankly, I seldom understand what they are going through. But in my heart, I don’t need to. Just like the Moon, understanding is less important than compassion and love. Understanding is secondary, or even lower.

I think I wanted to remind people of that fact. That’s all. I believe in kindness and humanity.

Maybe the next time you see a full moon, think of Maisy jumping through the grasses and smile.

As always, thanks for reading.

—phillip