The guards of Versailles

The guards of Versailles

I turned the corner to rue de Paris
A labyrinth of buildings folded around me
I stood and allowed my senses to absorb the amazing scenery.

How long has this place existed?
How many lives has it seen?
How many stories are there locked up in these walls?
These passages…?

The falling leaves blowing in the wind.
I am not the first mesmerized by its chaotic beauty.

What intrigued me most were the gates of the city…
These gates were like none I have ever seen.

All shapes and sizes.
All with a distinctive pattern.
Towering above me.
Almost commanded me to look up… to square up to them.

Since the first time I walked these narrow streets… I saw these guards of Versailles.
That's what they reminded me of.
Guards on duty… Faithful and proud. Not a tremble in their stance. Not a doubt in their presence.

For centuries these guards have kept their masters safe.
Stood through storms and relentless elements of nature.
On their singular mission to serve and protect.
These guards of Versailles have no equal…
For in me they have stirred an admiration,
almost spiritual.

I too want to be as proud and strong and unwavering in my pursuit to serve the ones I love…
To protect them from the onslaught of this life… to filter… carefully admit to them the things they need.
Allow only the good through my guiding frame.

I salute you my guards of Versailles.
My tribute is my expression of gratitude,
for what I learned from your humble existence.
“Guard not when it is convenient guard always for it is your purpose!”