High above, from a fixed abode on top of the Notre Dame, gargoyles watch over the city. They are the grim guardians of Paris.
I am a newcomer to the capital of France, but these carved creatures have been here for more than a century, warding off evil spirits.
The one next to me, whose face is cradled in his hands, pensively gazes down at the concrete maze which teems with life. He has witnessed a tumultuous past and now mulls over an uncertain future.
The buildings coldly glow under a fading sun while my immobile companions and I continue to watch the surreal scene. Far below, the people and vehicles are oblivious insects, vainly engaged in a never-ending crawl.
Soon it’s time to go and I turn away without bidding adieu to the bizarre beasts. I rush down the spiraling staircase as though demons are chasing me.
The gargoyles remain hovering over the Gothic Cathedral, destined to be silent sentinels forever.
