The Look Of Love

Glance strikes with glance, swift flashing high and higher
Like lightnings that precede the mighty storm;

Love's Language, by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Uttered not, yet comprehended.

There is an extraordinary form of eye contact that is highly charged (almost electrical) and highly emotional. It has been described as more divine than human, more cosmic than earthly, and more soulful than mortal. It is a knowing glance, eloquently silent, where volumes are spoken in a matter of seconds, with perfect understanding, and yet not a word is ever uttered. Are eyes really the window to the soul?

In eyes we know. They do not lie. Many poets have written some very good works based on this type of gaze. It is connected with themes of love and truth. They have described this visual connection with terms such as:

• beaming, burning, mingled, love-lit, floating eyes
• tempting, reflected rays
• splendid beacons
• holy looks
• orbs of sunshine
• lightning glances
• bloodless battle of eyes with eyes
• deep, impassioned gaze

It is unplanned, inexplicable, undeniable, unforgettable, intriguing, and extremely compelling. It has been described and written about over the centuries, but it still leaves more questions than answers. Why does it happen? What does it mean? Is it good or bad, right or wrong? Does everyone experience it and how any times in a lifetime? How do you study something so subjective, and so fleeting?

A Sampling of Gaze Poetry