Back to Horse Heaven: A Message from a Memory

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By Michael Avery

I was hiking along Horseheaven Creek just north of Steamboat on the North Umpqua River many years ago when I had a vision. In my mind’s eye, I saw a sacred valley called Horse Heaven, where wild horses still run free. Perhaps there exists such a valley in the area, but I didn’t pursue that reality since my vision was so clear and real to me. I memorialized that vision with a poem.

When the memory of that day kept returning, I realized that I’d missed a lesson or an insight back then. Horse Heaven, and especially one pony, was a metaphor. So, I got out the verse I’d written many years ago…

One of the wild horses experienced a life that was difficult at first, but then exciting and rewarding later; ultimately, it found contentment. I imagine that, at the end of its life, this horse had no regrets and appreciated the hardships as much as it celebrated its victories. It learned from both, and gracefully left this world with its head held high. Even though my victories were minor in comparison to those of this horse, the lesson was clear: It’s all good—the ups and downs, the all arounds, even the sideways. Life happens for us, not to us.

I’m learning to flow with life more and more, to remind myself during challenging situations to react and respond with love and grace. It’s not easy for me to step back and see life from a higher perspective. My wife, Pichaya, is so good at this. She’s my role model. Those who master the art of expressing love in every situation are celebrated and honored on the “inner planes” of Horse Heaven.

Back to Horse Heaven

You were once a proud pony
with a thousand beside you,
as free as the grasses
of Horse Heaven’s plains.
Then they came with their ropes
from the valley and tied you
and led your free spirit
from Horse Heaven’s plains.

Now you learn about life
from a whip and a harness,
enduring and learning
the tug of the reins.
But you learn how to serve,
and you learn how to give,
and you’re better for living
the hardship and pain.

With courage you rise
when the burden is greatest.
You earn self-respect
and a laborer’s praise,
for you’ll carry your share
and a bit of another’s.
You’re still a proud pony
from Horse Heaven’s plains.

Then they learn you can run
like none other before you
with heels born of freedom
on Horse Heaven’s plains.
From a thousand you rise
to the challenge before you
and earn the respect
due a champion’s name.

So you learn about life
on a track made of cinders,
enduring and learning
the spoils of the game.
You learn to compete
for the glamour of winning,
and you’re better for living
the glory and fame.

Then proudly you’re led
from the crowds and the spotlight
to evergreen meadows
and clear placid stream,
where at last with the weight
of a lifetime before you,
you’re drawn to the light
of an opening door.

And soon you are running
through fields without fences,
back to Horse Heaven
and Horse Heaven’s plains.
Oh, soon you are running
with a thousand proud ponies,
as free as the grasses
of Horse Heaven’s plains.

From Porcupines at the Dance, page 141