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.

[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.

[John the Baptist]

For one about whom nothing can be objectively verified, Jesus of Nazareth has influenced more people than anyone else in history. Even those who do not adhere to the religion he founded can be inspired by his story. This offering, written by an agnostic, depicts Jesus as an ever present, all protective spirit that watches continually over humanity. He gives assurance that we are never alone and that he will be our refuge in times of trouble. It's a pity that so many of his followers over the years have fought wars about how to worship him.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you kindly JB for these important words of yours. They mean a lot to me in these difficult of times. There is so much beauty in faith. That even I as an agnostic recognize. I feel because of this I can view the subject objectively to see the spiritual qualities that belief grants to the human heart. I would never claim to know everything, for such an idea is hubris. But even in our most darkest times I feel we are never alone. There is always something greater, whether it's called hope or love, that is always with us. I believe this poem speaks of that higher love, which will always resonate in our heart. This little poem came to me in my darker time to illuminate a hopeful light for me. Sometimes that is all we ever need. Thank you kindly again my friend.

[cheyenne s garcia]

This was so beautiful to read. I would really like to know, what inspired this writing? Great work.

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Cheyenne for your kind comment on this poem. I loathe to say what could have been the factor of what brought this piece to life because it does have significant meaning to me currently. These past few months have been a profound hardship on me. Almost to the point of existential crisis. I'm manic depressive and I have struggled with this for most of my life. This literally came to me in the middle of night while suffering from anxiety and weeping. The word Cavalry came into my mind so I opened up me notepad and began to write these words down. It happened so fast that within minutes it was over. I felt exhausted and fell asleep. It was the first time in months I had such a peaceful rest. When I re-read what I wrote the following day I was worried I may be having a breakdown of some sort. But then I just kept reading it over and over again. The more I did the less scared I felt. I used to be an alter boy growing up as a child. I would always go to church with my grandmother who took me with her. It was our time that we spent together. When I read these words from this poem I hear her talking to me. Art comes from the deepest places of our heart. Thank you for asking me this question. It is my hope these words find a place in each readers heart as well.

[cheyenne s garcia]

How beautiful, you are completely devoted to the truth it seems. And I wish you peace.

[Levi]

Hi Carlos, I like your couplet end rhyme scheme and the balance in each stanza. I don't have a Theological background, so I had to loo up Calvary, the hill that Jesus was crucified. But, is that really a goal, to die on the hill?

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Levi for your comment on this poem. I myself am not a theologian and can only give my personal thoughts on what these hopeful cryptic words may mean. Throughout the Bible there are sacred places that the faithful hold dear to heart. Because they exhibit and define a sacramental resonance to God. The places where his power is most felt or was experienced. I believe that Cavalry has such significance and for Christians who make the pilgrimage to such places it is synonymous with providence. A spiritual place of hope. As a child I was an alter boy and often remember the resonance the word had during a priest's sermon. Some of the elderly would often be moved to tears when such revered places were mentioned especially during Easter. In a spiritual sense I believe Cavalry may be a place in the heart where many of the faithful hope to go in the end. To find their own peace. Thank you again my friend.

[Jasmine]

its beautiful, amazingly nice after a hard day

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Thank you Jasmine for such a sweet comment on this poem. It does exhibit a strong sense of spiritual hope in it. Before submitting a piece of writing I usually spend a few days reviewing and re-reading the work. This just happened within minutes to write itself. It started with the word Cavalry. The place where religion teaches us that Jesus was crucified. As a little boy I was an alter boy at the local catholic church. I remember growing up believing I would someday become a priest. All because my grandmother who often went to church every Sunday. I could see in her eyes the admiration and reverence she had for the priests and nuns at this place of worship. Which also reflected in the hearts of other practitioners of faith who also were regulars at this place. I felt that calling of righteousness could give meaningful purpose to my life. Instead I grew out of faith because I wanted to be a writer instead and find my own hope in that. I almost feel this poem is a whisper to me reminding me of what could have been. The possibility and potential. The words truly exude hope within each line. And it is my hope they find a place in the reader's heart. Thank you so much again for sharing your thoughts with me.