The Thickness of Ice
By Liz Loxley
At first we’ll meet as friends
(Though secretly I’ll be hoping
we’ll become much more
and hoping that you’re hoping that too)At first we’ll be like skaters
testing the thickness of ice
(with each meeting
we’ll skate nearer the centre of the lake)Later we will become less anxious to impress, less eager than the skater going for gold.
(The triple jumps and spins
will become an old routine
we will become content with simple movements).Later we will not notice the steady thaw, and the creeping cracks will be ignored.
(And one day when the ice gives way
we will scramble to save ourselves
and not each other.)Last of all we’ll meet as acquaintances
(though secretly we’ll be enemies,
hurt by missing out on a medal,
jealous of new partners).Last of all we’ll be like children
Having learnt the thinness of ice,
(Though secretly perhaps we may be hoping,
to break the ice between us
and maybe meet again as friends).
Summary of The Thickness of Ice
- Popularity of “The Thickness of Ice”: “The Thickness of Ice” is a poignant and insightful poem by Liz Loxley, first published in 2012. It is a widely appreciated work that captures the complex and often fragile nature of human relationships. The poem is not limited to romantic love; it can apply to any close bond between individuals.
- “The Thickness of Ice” as a Representative of Evolving Relationships: The poem charts the trajectory of a relationship, beginning with cautious optimism and a desire for more, moving through stages of comfortable routine, gradual detachment, and ultimately a fractured connection. The central metaphor of ice beautifully illustrates the shifting solidity and inherent vulnerability of the bond. The poem’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of how connections can evolve—or dissolve—over time. It is a relatable exploration of the unspoken anxieties and subtle shifts that characterize human interaction.
- Major Themes in “The Thickness of Ice”: The poem centers on the themes of vulnerability, expectation, and the eventual acceptance of change in relationships. It highlights the delicate balance between wanting to impress someone and simply being comfortable with them. There is a strong current of realism, suggesting that all relationships—even those that begin with great promise—are susceptible to the inevitable stresses of time and circumstance. The poem also subtly explores the themes of competition and unspoken resentment that can creep into even the closest connections.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “The Thickness of Ice”
Liz Loxley skillfully employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the poem’s meaning and emotional impact. These techniques help to create a vivid and memorable experience for the reader.
- Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within words creates musicality and emphasizes certain phrases. For example, the repeated “ee” sound in “Though secretly perhaps we may be hoping” draws attention to the underlying desire for reconciliation.
- Alliteration: The occurrence of the same consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. For example, the repetition of the “m” sound in “much more” and the “w” sound in “we will” creates a subtle emphasis and rhythmic effect.
- Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within words or at the end of words. For instance, the repetition of the “n” sound in “Having learnt the thinness of ice” creates a sense of subtle resonance.
- Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. The opening lines demonstrate this beautifully: “At first we’ll meet as friends
(Though secretly I’ll be hoping
we’ll become much more
and hoping that you’re hoping that too)”. The enjambment mimics the hesitant, unspoken thoughts of the speaker, creating a sense of vulnerability and anticipation. - Irony: A subtle irony permeates the poem. The title, “The Thickness of Ice,” evokes a sense of solidity and security, yet the poem describes a relationship that is ultimately fragile and prone to cracking. This contrast heightens the poem’s emotional impact.
- Imagery: Loxley uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. The central image of skating on ice is particularly effective, evoking feelings of both excitement and precariousness. The descriptions of “creeping cracks” and the ice “giving way” are powerful and unsettling.
- Simile: Similes are used to draw comparisons and deepen understanding. For example, “At first we’ll be like skaters” establishes a central metaphor for the relationship, highlighting its initial cautiousness and eventual instability.
- Symbolism: The ice itself is a potent symbol. It represents the outward appearance of a relationship—seemingly solid and secure—while concealing the underlying vulnerability and potential for breakage. The thawing ice symbolizes the gradual erosion of affection and trust.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “The Thickness of Ice”
Beyond literary devices, Loxley uses specific poetic techniques to shape the poem’s form and meaning.
- Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Loxley to create a natural, conversational tone that mirrors the ebb and flow of human interaction. The lack of formal constraints also reflects the unpredictable nature of relationships.
- Parenthetical Remarks: The frequent use of parenthetical remarks—phrases set off by parentheses—creates a sense of intimacy and honesty. These asides reveal the speaker’s inner thoughts and unspoken anxieties, adding depth and complexity to the poem. For example, “(Though secretly I’ll be hoping…)” provides a glimpse into the speaker’s hidden desires.
- Repetition: The subtle repetition of phrases and ideas such as the emphasis on “hoping” reinforces key themes and creates a sense of cyclical pattern in the relationship.
- Structure and Stanza Breaks: The use of short, concise stanzas reflects the fragmented nature of memory and the way we experience relationships in moments. The stanza breaks create pauses that allow the reader to reflect on the preceding lines and consider the emotional weight of the poem.
Quotes to be Used
The lines below capture the initial excitement and vulnerability of a new connection:
“At first we’ll be like skaters
testing the thickness of ice
(with each meeting
we’ll skate nearer the centre of the lake)”
This quote beautifully encapsulates the tentative nature of early relationships, where each interaction feels like a careful step onto uncertain ground. The image of skating on ice is particularly evocative, suggesting both grace and precariousness.
Another powerful line that highlights the poem’s central theme of loss and acceptance is:
“And one day when the ice gives way
we will scramble to save ourselves
and not each other.”
This quote is a stark and honest portrayal of the self‑preservation instinct that can take over in a failing relationship, even among those who once cared deeply for one another.