never mind the bags under Rin's eyes
as she rises again
long after the night has fallen
to calm a newly awake
and crying Naruto,
the shaking of Kakashi's slim arms as they
balance
several bags of groceries, Obito's eyes
when he falls asleep with his glasses on,
or
as he rattles some contrived excuse
for arriving home late,
a new toy or treat just barely peeking
out of a tattered coat pocket;
never mind the tears they only shed
behind closed doors, the fears left
unspoken
above all,
they are grateful
for a final legacy to uphold,
and,
beneath a lifeless burden,
a reason to keep living.