Disclaimer: This is a non-profit work of fanfiction, and I do not own Naruto or any related franchises.
How war has passed, and changed us all,
In so many ways, some big, some small,
No longer are you that gentle bud,
Amongst the leaves, closed tightly shut.
Today, you've bloomed, and brought forth
All your inner strength, your love and warmth.
x-x
Is your courage a pale-eyed inheritance too?
x-x
Loss has hurt, both yours and mine,
Old wounds that won't ever close with time –
Valiantly, you have grown despite what could have been,
Eyes that were once downcast are now serene.
x-x
Your lips pull up my heart when you smile
Only to make it run a minute a mile
Understanding it, though, took a while.
Note: Now go back and read the first, capitalized letters in order.