Sorting through belongings
a good friend left behind,
I encountered a secret panel
in the back of a dusty book shelf.
Behind it was a collection of anime figurines.

All female, plastic and scantily clad, of course.
While admiring the details
of these strange but beautiful things,
his mother stepped into the room.
I was red-faced, caught in the act!

She simply smiled with a knowing look.
One that said she wished her son were still here
to appreciate his clandestine collection one more time.

As her tender reflection passed,
perhaps too painful to dwell upon,
She asked that I not be embarrassed.
"I know who my son was."