Comforting

Down in the little valley,
That is more like the space between two hills,
Surrounded by trees,
Creeks, animals, plants.
The sunset as it goes over the edge of the little valley,
And the knowledge that if you were at the top,
You would see the sun plunge into the waves,
A flare of color as it sets.

The happy cries of children,
On a summer evening,
As they race by,
Without a second glance,
Bent on finishing their adventures,
Before it's time to call it a night.

The comforting murmur of adults,
Sitting on a porch,
Watching the children play as the sun continues to go down.
Just knowing they are there,
Watching you through the fading light,
And knowing that,
If needed,
They are ready with open arms,
To comfort,
And shoo the monsters away.