First Flush

I stop mid-guffaw

to find your eyes on me

and though I am not the blushing kind

I feel heat travelling up my neck

I look away flustered

but find my gaze drawn to you

you are still looking my way

is it mere caprice or an irrefutable truth

and I swear my heart somersaults

you say something

but the roar in my ears is loud and drowns your voice

I breathe in shallow bursts

none of our friends notice anything

with trembling fingers I gather my books

hugging them to my errant heart

I quietly try to slink away

Before my eyes can give my heart away.