Canto XII from The Heights of Macchu Picchu is a poem by the famed Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Is notable for it's use of suffering as a central theme. This theme represents the divergent ideas of Communism as well as Christianity. Neruda was a noted communist and this passion was reflected in his poetry, particularly in the second stanza. Where there are many references to the struggles and anxieties of ordinary working people. however as the poem moves on it then acquirers a more religious aspect in the 4th stanza their is a monologue that mentions thrusting knives "into my breast and into my hands". This bit particularly the hands is a not so subtle reference to the Crucifixion of Christ. Their are also more subtle hints to the poems religions overtones. The first stanza is an allegory of death and resurrection and even the title seems to imply a controlling force if not necessarily a god.