Here's a breakdown of the conflict:
* Desire vs. Societal Expectations: The protagonist desires to connect with someone, to make eye contact and feel seen. This desire is evident in the repeated imagery of eyes and the longing expressed in lines like "I'm looking for something that won't be there." However, the poem suggests that societal expectations and possibly their own internalized beliefs are preventing them from fully engaging in this desire. The speaker describes themselves as "too old" and "too busy" to connect, highlighting how societal norms and internalized pressures are inhibiting their actions.
* Fear of Rejection vs. Seeking Connection: The poem also presents the internal conflict of fearing rejection while simultaneously yearning for connection. The speaker contemplates the potential consequences of making eye contact, worrying about "being judged" and "being known." This fear ultimately leads to the speaker choosing to avoid eye contact, perpetuating the cycle of isolation and loneliness.
* Past Experiences and Present Choices: The poem suggests a history of failed attempts at connection, hinting at past experiences that may have contributed to the protagonist's current guardedness. Lines like "I've been down this road before" and "I've been burned by this fire" point to a past where the speaker's vulnerability was exploited or met with indifference. These experiences shape their present choices and contribute to their hesitation to fully engage with others.
Overall, the conflict in "Eye Contact" lies in the tension between the protagonist's yearning for connection and their fear of rejection, both stemming from internalized societal expectations and past experiences. The poem leaves the reader to ponder the consequences of choosing isolation over vulnerability, ultimately emphasizing the complexity of human connection in a world where judgement and societal pressures often prevail.