I learned early on
to keep my eyes
to myself:
a stare can be misinterpreted.
I don’t want to fight you.
I’m not trying to scare you.
I’m not trying to make you.
It’s just too reckless
any other way.
I know these rules,
so what is this drive
that compels me
to break this rule?
Something inside me
is looking in
your eyes
for reflection,
for approval,
for connection.
But in the split second
before that unknown
consequence
materializes,
I avert my eyes.
I just don’t want
to start something
that I can’t finish.
You have captured the uncertainty so perfectly! Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks - I notice I avert my eyes quite a bit, which inspired me.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that people can't look eachother in the eyes and make a connection for fear that it will be misinterpreted.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is [says with head turned away].
DeleteThey say there is a time of 3-5 seconds that it is 'decent' to make eye contact, anything after that is sending a message. I see why you say this so clearly, because some think you're looking for a fight etc etc. But, here where we live, it's still pretty safe and I purposely (sometimes) look directly at people and smile, just to see if they'll smile back, most times, they do. But, as far as reality of life goes, this is right on the mark. Nice one Buddah.
ReplyDelete3-5 seconds? Really? Where I am (in Southern California) that's too long! Yes, as a man I am particularly sensitive to appearing to leer or starting a fight. Thanks for the kind words.
DeleteThis reminds me of the Dish Network ad that goes, "When you get a tattoo, people think you're tough. When people think you're tough, they want to find out *how* tough. When people want to find out *how* tough, you end up in a roadside ditch. Don't end up in a roadside ditch."
ReplyDeleteBut if you did end up in a roadside ditch, Mosky, I would bring a team of horses and pull you out. And I wouldn't stare, and I wouldn't say anything. :-)
Thanks in advance for retrieving my fat ass out of the ditch - that's a true pal!
ReplyDeleteI will have to think about this. I do know I don't look too long into people's eyes unless I am having some kind of meaningful conversation with family or friend. And if someone looks at me too long it is kind of uncomfortable. Thought provoking poem.
ReplyDeleteThanks - yes, I always have to balance looking interested with looking obsessed.
DeleteMarvelous! Grasps emotion and momentum!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteIn NYC, it was considered rude and intrusive to make eye contact with strangers, but I was all "Hello!" and smiling at folks. Couldn't help it. One thing that struck me was not wanting to "start something you can't finish." I really get that one, brudda. Cleverly stated. Your sistah, Ameleh
ReplyDeleteYes, Ameleh, sometimes you get more than you bargained for. Thanks! You think no eye contact in NYC, then imagine in a men's restroom in NYC.
Deletewow..i like this much...great closure as well..happens so quickly that we start things just by looking in someone's eyes in a certain way...
ReplyDeleteThanks, what else can be said of the unintended glance: the start of many a love affair and ass-kicking.
DeleteThat's a killer ending, Mosk. Playful, serious, and right on the money. You nailed it. I just did a blog entry on the Liebster Blog Awards, and I named you as one of my faves. You can see it on my blog right now. All the best - and keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrew for the kind words and the mention on the Leibster Blog award. You're one of my faves too. I knew as a man you'd appreciate this writing. - Mosk
DeleteOOOPS! Late to the party again! (Story of my life, lately.) :-| Anyway, I just dropped in to also pass along a Liebster Blog Award to you, Mosk! (Details can be found here on my blog: http://wanponpopix.blogspot.com/2012/05/wow-liebster-blog-cyber-cupcakes.html)
ReplyDeleteI've been admiring your work for a long time, and thought you might like to hear it, so... Enjoy! (Too funny, Andrew, 'cause you're next!) :-))
As a woman, I don't quite appreciate it. ;) "looking in your eyes for reflection" -- quite beautiful, you charmer. :)
ReplyDelete