eye contact

it stings, burns wildly

an accidental glimpse at the sun

dart pupils away quick, swiftly

a habit, a reflex to encounter none

survival of the frickin fittest

i feel their gaze looming sideways

i stare down at a black screen of nothingness

(Act natural, scrolling as if to say - “hey that’s cool” - pathetically played)

i would rather look at

the dusty concrete

the mocking screen of “no notifications”

and my own two feet than

look up!

look up!

just look at them! wave! look up!

no thanks.

and then they’re gone.

i am myself, a talking embarrassment

i fear the attention i would attract

so i stare at the abiotic vast spaces

too anxious about making

EYE CONTACT.