The narrator, a "blind old man," reminisces about his childhood when, with a group of children, he played near a small grove called Calvary. They used the barrenness and the crosses planted there as a playful backdrop for their games. They assigned roles, pretended to be crucified, and even found some dark humor in the situation.
As the narrator aged and experienced life, he began to contemplate the deeper meanings of Calvary. He realized that the crosses represented more than just a childhood game. They symbolized the suffering, sacrifice, and the profound spiritual significance that Calvary held for generations.
The poem touches upon themes of mortality, faith, and the transient nature of life. The blind old man reflects on the transience of his childhood experiences, just as he reflects on the transience of human existence. He comes to understand that the crosses have become symbols of eternal hope, sacrifice, and the possibility of redemption.
Despite the simplicity and playful nature of the childhood games, the poem subtly underscores the presence of darker human qualities. The children, in their playfulness, do not fully grasp the gravity of the crucifixion they are simulating. This could be seen as a commentary on humanity's tendency to overlook or misinterpret the significance of profound events while engrossed in their own pursuits.
Through the eyes of the blind old man, the poem also emphasizes the concept of faith and the search for deeper meanings in life. The crosses, initially mere objects in a game, evolve into symbols of spiritual transcendence and the possibility of finding salvation through sacrifice.
In essence, "Calvary" by Edwin Arlington Robinson presents a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the Biblical event, exploring themes of childhood, mortality, human frailty, and the evolving understanding of spiritual significance as individuals journey through life.