Kings and Queens - where they are now

Exams are over but for one, so I have much more time than usual! On Monday, I visited St. Denis, where most of the kings and queens of France are buried. It was a very interesting place; the basilica gave off a feeling of intense calmness, like the sleep of these kings and queens will never be interrupted. It is a beautiful Gothic structure with intricate scenes depicted in the windows, and the windows that let light into the crypt below depict a kind of flower that seems like it knows something we don't about death and light. The likenesses of the kings and queens are carved in stone and placed above their tombs. Their horizontal posture, feet pointing up to the air, makes it clear that they are in the afterlife. Sometimes their is nothing covering the bottom of their feet. But often there is a lion curled up beneath the feet of the kings, and little dogs at the feet of the queen. This rapport with animals I find strange and interesting. Finally, all these rulers of France together, makes it seem they might be finally discussing with each other, feeling not so alone because they are not the only ruler of France. Those who have never met in life, but are bound together in death by their common occupation.