by Pavel Chichikov
Let me now commend to you a place,
No bitterness, regret is in that city,
The one who made it knowing of disgrace
Has used a finer building stone than pity
It is the art of wonder He employs,
For every stone is fitted to the others
That none should any symmetry destroy,
Entrances of light replacing towers
Going up does not require stairs,
Those who would descend need not retreat,
Those in every room are everywhere,
Those who are apart are yet complete,
Those who knew destruction do not grieve,
Those who wish to enter need not leave
(See Pavel's new book, Mysteries and Stations, here.)