The Parole, by Pavel Chichikov

Behind the rail the tabernacle
In the precinct of the dead
Another lives who vanquished hell
Flesh unfleshed and bloodless bled

Above the door a candle lit
Key turned leftward in the lock
So anyone can open it
It is no house, you need not knock

A key no key, a door no door
For all may enter it who will
The love of Love you may ignore
The Lord of life whom you may kill

No one goes there but the broken
Whose desperation is unspoken
None but these know the parole
Open, Love, and take my soul

Pavel Chichikov
April 11, 2003
.