In the 1870's the Lakota people were being "persuaded" to "sell" their lands and move to the "white man's islands" (reservations). This was after 30 years of fights, papers, and broken promises. This piece features a "pony" as they were known to the Lakota, overlooking the badlands of South Dakota which became the Pine Ridge Reservation where many of the Lakota were sent. The word "presage" means a warning that something bad is coming. Chief Crazy Horse of the Lakota had many presages of the things to come. He was a wise leader who attempted to do the best for his people at the time. He had several preferred war ponies, one a paint and one a bay that was known to be particularly fast.
This piece is titled after Emily Dickinson’s poem “A Soul Selects Her Own Society”.
This poem talks about someone eschewing the greatness of society and choosing their own, quiet place.
The Soul selects her own Society --
Then — shuts the Door --
To her divine Majority --
Present no more --
Unmoved — she notes the Chariots — pausing --
At her low Gate --
Unmoved — an Emperor be kneeling
Upon her Mat --
I've known her — from an ample nation --
Choose One --
Then — close the Valves of her attention --
Like Stone --