In Calvary

For those of faith; a small message of hope in trying times. Inspired by works like "Footsteps" and other religious writings.

In Calvary

By

Carlos Lorenzo Estrada 

I have walked a countless steps 

And lived in immeasurable lives

Turned fishermen to saints 

Called angels down from skies

The burdens which you carried

I shouldered within my arms

When you felt that faith had left

I sheltered you from harm

Though never could you see me

I was never far from view

Gave hope to rest your weary head

In tears I wept for you

But still in troubled heart you spurned

For proof to know I'm there 

This cross I carried was for you

The pain to show I care

So never doubt or feel alone

cast gaze towards east and see

Upon the golden hill of mount

We'll meet... in Calvary 

Author's Note

As a writer I don't always control what inspiration gives me to write. This piece was written within minutes of the idea percolating in my head. I could feel the influence of other faith based writings such as the renowned work called Footsteps. As an agnostic I respect and admire the values of faith, though I'm not a firm believer of organized religion and institutions itself. But without question in our times of need we yearn for something greater than ourselves to recognize our pain and suffering. I feel this speaks to that particular aspiration. Thank you and feel free to comment, troll, or say hi. All are appreciated. CLE

Reviews

[lightsong]

Dear Carlos,

We all believe in something, we can't live without it. inspired by other religious writing or not, from the first two verses, I knew You were writing about your own self before anyone else, the human being~ You, and the spiritual being~ You. how You are an empathetic person, holding kindness and care in your heart. this write touches our hearts without any effort. each will read it to their own way. Bless You my friend, with Bright Blessing and Pure Faith ❤️

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so very much for these kind words. It means a lot to me during these difficult times. These past few months have been quite difficult but I continue to believe in hope. This poem has come at a time I am in need of its grace. I am unsure of what the future will bring, but because of this poem I'm beginning to feel less afraid. All because whenever I read this piece I hear my grandmother's voice. A woman who was of deep faith and a great influence on the art that I create. Had she not been in my life in that short time these words would not exist. None of the stories or poems would either. In this sea of despair I cling to hope because I feel there is a reason for the suffering. Art is giving me that grace. It has become my providence, and my Calvary. If these words can do the same for another heart who reads and take them in then the suffering is truly worth it. I may be alone and have nothing, but I come to see I am not truly alone. Hope is always there. And art has become my saving grace and salvation. This amazing community has shown me by kindness that my words have meaning. As a writer that is all I ever wanted. Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts with me and the empathy as well as supportive encouragement. It means the world to me.

[lightsong]

Dear Carlos, few things I would like to ponit out from your words here,

When You feel alone in your suffering, pain, struggles and all else... it is the normal thing to feel, specially for a sensitive and empathy soul, what we need most times is not someone to understand our expreinces but an ear to listen, heart to share... to know we are not alone though to each have their own roads. and this what I feel from your words. the last month was also more than enough for me. still affected by it. one thing You should know, the struggles and trails of special souls are different from others, and the more developed the soul is, the more the experiences are profound in life. writing and this community do help, so keep writing and sharing even when it feels strange and nonsense to You, and if You ever need an ear, ring my bell~

Ghounwah*

[lightsong]

Oh! and You are welcome :>

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much again for these supportive words. This community of writers have given me more than I could ever return in their kindness as well as support. It has been life changing.

[red93]

Very good Carlos. In times like these I think of the UK Metaphysical Poet John Donne's Words - 'Do not ask for whom the Bell tolls. It tolls for thee.'

[Ashi written tale & poe..]

feel happy to read this poem :)

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Ashi for taking the time to read and comment on this piece. I really do appreciate it.

[Richard Knox]

Carlos, I read this earlier today, then came beak to read it again just now because it stayed in my head. I am not a religious person, though I was raised as such. Still, your poem leaves me feeling valued and hopeful — things we sorely need these days. Even if it is not a deity saying these words, just the understanding that someone or some greater power could feel this way about us flawed humans is comforting. Perhaps the true miracle is that we can imagine a loving god who would do this for us.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Richard for taking the time to read and comment on this poem. I really appreciate it. I am by nature not religious at all, but do recognize the inherent qualities of hope that faith provides. Especially during these trying times in the world. At its best it is a force of love, but can also be the opposite in the hands of those that modify its message to preach a form of divisiveness and hate. We are born to suffer at some point in our lives, and in doing so seek questions beyond ourselves whether we are alone in our pain or if there is something greater than ourselves that empathizes. I wrote this at a very difficult trying time in my life and derive strength from its hopeful message. For the idea of both hope and grace are universal. Despite our imperfections we are deserving of such things. Creativity comes from the deepest recesses of our souls. In the place we often search for atonement and hope. I would like to believe that is the spiritual essence of Calvary. Thank you again so much for sharing your thoughts with me and this conversation as well. I was moved by your thoughts. For I share them.

[Richard Knox]

Well said! Thank you.

[Gee]

Brings to mind a poem called "Footprints"
Like you I am faithless believing religion to be a crutch used by folk when times get a bit sticky, many will shoot me down for this view!
You write well n the subject of faith easily slipping into a believers shoes.
Good piece Carlos
Hopevyoubarecwell

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Gee for sharing your honest thoughts on this piece. I admire and respect your honest views on the subject. Indeed this is a controversial subject but art asks much from the writer to be true to their heart in their creative process. Regardless of beliefs and ideologies one should always be free to express themselves with honesty and integrity, as well as civility. As an agnostic I don't promote the beliefs of organized religion personally, though I recognize the importance of values they may preach on a human level. I grew up as a catholic always attending church with my grandmother who was one of profound faith. This piece of poetry exudes the virtues and beliefs she lived throughout her life. Whenever I read it I hear her voice. Without a doubt this poem holds the same message and qualities on religion as does the work called Footsteps and others in its genre. It is undeniable even to me. As the writer I can only say that this piece of poetry came to me at a very difficult time in my life, and has given me a bit of solace because of the reasons I gave before. I don't have the answers to everything, nor do I believe I should have. Because if I did where would the value and worth of things be if all was revealed and there was no mystery. Each living day is a mystery that is what makes it special and worth waking up to. I have to believe this optimistic view or else art would have no purpose or worth. Wisdom would be without value. The embodiments of faith is hope. For it asks to suspend facts that may conflict with its ideology in order to believe in something greater than one's self. I admire the grace of hope, whether it may be true or not is up to time to reveal. If the idea of God is needed for someone to be ethical then I will respect that. I may not agree but I do admire their pursuit to simply be a better human being. If this poem should allow them such grace then the pain of writing it was worth it. In some ways this is a reminder of the things I left behind. They will always be a part of me, despite me out growing them. Thank you Gee for your sincere and honest assessment of this poem. I very much admire and appreciate your words. They mean a lot during these trying times for me.

[Fran Marie]

A beautifully penned piece here
Carlos .inspirational; reads like
a hymn bring sung; spiritually
uplifting..nice work

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Fran I really appreciate your comment on this piece. This was a very personal write for me. Especially during these difficult times I'm experiencing. I mentioned ina previous comment I don't feel I should take ownership for this poem because it didn't feel like it came from me. It literally took within 5 minutes to write in the early hours where I was having difficulty to sleep because of the stress I'm experiencing. When I had re-read it the following day it had emotional impact on me because the voice that I heard was my grandmother's. As a child I would always accompany her to our local catholic church on Sundays growing up. I had always felt that was our time. This poem to me without a doubt reminds me of her. Of the uncompromising hope as well as unconditional love that defined her heart and hopes. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with me on this poem.

[Fran Marie]

you're so welcome dear friend

[Barbara Meistrell]

Great, just great...am not in to much favor of religious institutions either, Carlos but I do love the Lord...your poem is poignant and moved me almost to tears..not everyone likes to mention religion in written contents, whatever they may be but you did and you have given me courage to do the same...thank you...barbie

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and encouraging comment Barbie. I truly appreciate it. Art comes from such a special and creative space within us. We don't always have control over what our heart and soul yearns to say. As I mentioned in previous comments below I used attend a catholic church in my youth. I always accompanied my grandmother who often took me. I was also an alter boy. At one time as a child I thought about joining the priesthood. The times I spent in church held such value to me because it was time that I had with my grandmother who raised me much during my childhood because my parents were often away for work. Whenever I read the words of this poem it is her voice I here. They have given comfort through these current difficult times I'm experiencing. Despite not being religious it does not dissuade the profound hope that resides within me. The values and ethics that faith instilled in me. As a writer I encourage others to never hold back the creative art with. For it is a part of you that you as a artist gift to the world. Regardless of the content be assured the words spoken from your truth will resonate in the heart of another where they will find a home. Thank you for sharing this conversation with me. Your words have moved me and as a writer I can not ask for a greater gift than that.

[JE Falcon]

In my mind, this is an inspired poem, where you conceive that it came from and where I believe it came from might be different --- but might just be the same. No matter which, it is wonderful.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you so much for your thoughts on this poem and expressing the hope from which we both agree inspired this piece. These have been very difficult days for me as of late. But this particular piece I seem to draw hope from. As a youth I would often accompany my grandmother every Sunday to the catholic church in my old town growing up. She was a woman of profound unshakable faith. Whenever I read this poem I hear her voice. There is much grace in this work that I don't feel was by my hand, nor its creation. I'm simply happy that I was able to find a home for it here, as well as the heart willing to accept these words. Thank you again JE, for your kind comment.

[JE Falcon]

I believe that some things are meant to be written and are cast to the winds of chance. The one who is listening will do the writing and will know from where it came.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Like a Bridge over troubled water, one we will cross together...just take my hand.

This analogy works so well...

and if we meet on Calvary...then we will both know the other exists.
j.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you J for commenting on this poem. I believe you hit the message right on the head. As a youth growing up in the catholic faith and hearing my share of many sermons the word Calvary has always elicited feelings of profound sorrow. For it represents a place where faith was judged by man, and in essence God. It is hallowed in memory and treated with reverence. The death of hope, and without it faith ceases to exist. It is my belief in this poem that Calvary is a place in the heart. In the deepest recesses where we cling to the remnants of our lost faith and hopes. When we come to believe where all things are lost we will be led to that place to find our redemption. This piece can be interpreted in a few ways, and every way may not be wrong to each heart. But as the writer I lean towards your definition of this piece. Thank you kindly J.

[Aura]

When I read this I immediately thought of the question many people may have which was whether God was real? While God may not be visible to the eye, and as I read your poem, God is visible in other ways such as through protecting us from harm.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Aura for commenting on this poem. I can't claim to ever know the truth when it comes to how faith affects the lives of people, or the meaning of it all to each heart. I gave up on religion in my late teens. Despite that a part of me still hopes in something greater than myself. I would like to believe it to be love. The kind that is unconditional and without judgement. I may not pray as I once did as a child, but I do hope and yearn for that greater love to give me grace. To be a better person and decent human being. To have faith in people to do that right thing. And if it takes the belief in God for them to be moved by action then that can't be a bad thing, but a good. I am so glad this poem had you asking questions because to me that is the most important thing it should do. Because that is the power of art, of words, of poetry. To make you think beyond yourself and feel deep in your heart for the answers. It is a good thing for you to always question because it shows you are willing to learn more about life and the world we live in. As well as love. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.