Two Seconds

Each of the dozen others in this room
Receives an equal share, but I recant
My gaze: I force myself to switch it from
You, to him — her — so none guess I want
You: so even you can never guess —
Particularly you! — Two seconds only  
To stare at you, and then, with brute finesse,
Relieve my eyes from what they thirst for — uncleanly
Break to see the next — next — next — then you!
Two seconds of your fatal face, that smile,
That frown, that gilt hair, that scuff-marked shoe;
A bitten nail, your eyes: all savoured, while
  I memorise each — brace myself to feign
  Indifference — tear my eyes — away — again.

(First published in Soundzine)