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).
Unveiling the Layers: An In-Depth Look at “The Thickness of Ice”
Liz Loxley’s compelling poem, “The Thickness of Ice,” offers a profound exploration of human relationships, tracing their delicate evolution from hopeful beginnings to potential dissolution and even a glimmer of renewed possibility. This widely appreciated work, first published in 2012, resonates with readers because of its honest portrayal of the unspoken anxieties, subtle shifts, and inherent vulnerabilities that define our connections with others. The poem’s central metaphor of ice brilliantly captures the shifting solidity and precarious nature of these bonds, making it a memorable and insightful piece of literature.
The Core Message of “The Thickness of Ice”
At its heart, “The Thickness of Ice” is about the journey of a relationship, often romantic, but applicable to any close human bond. It begins with cautious optimism and a desire for deeper connection, progresses through stages of comfortable routine, then moves towards gradual detachment, and ultimately a fractured connection. The poem’s central idea revolves around the idea that relationships, much like ice, possess an outward appearance of strength and stability, yet are inherently fragile and susceptible to the pressures of time and circumstance. It highlights the delicate balance between initial eagerness and eventual complacency, and the often painful consequences when that balance is lost.
A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its stark realism. It does not shy away from the less glamorous aspects of human interaction, such as self-preservation, unspoken resentment, and the pain of loss. Yet, it concludes with a poignant note of enduring hope, suggesting that even after significant breakage, the human desire for connection can persist.
“The Thickness of Ice” Analysis: A Journey Through Relationship Stages
The poem unfolds in a chronological progression, mirroring the life cycle of a relationship. Each stanza marks a distinct phase, vividly brought to life through the extended metaphor of ice skating.
The Genesis of Connection: Hope and Caution
The opening stanzas introduce the nascent stages of a relationship, characterized by a blend of hope and careful apprehension. The lines,
“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)”
immediately establish an atmosphere of unspoken desires and mutual, yet hidden, expectations. This initial phase is further elaborated with the powerful simile:
“At first we’ll be like skaters
testing the thickness of ice
(with each meeting
we’ll skate nearer the centre of the lake)”
Here, the act of “testing the thickness of ice” perfectly encapsulates the tentative nature of early interactions, where individuals cautiously explore the boundaries and potential depth of their connection. The progression “nearer the centre of the lake” symbolizes a growing intimacy and a willingness to venture into deeper, potentially more vulnerable, territory.
The Comfort of Routine: Complacency and Neglect
As the relationship matures, the initial excitement gives way to a comfortable, perhaps even complacent, routine. The poem notes,
“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).”
This shift from “eager” to “content with simple movements” highlights a natural evolution where the need for grand gestures diminishes. However, this comfort can breed a dangerous complacency, as indicated by the subsequent lines:
“Later we will not notice the steady thaw, and the creeping cracks will be ignored.”
The “steady thaw” and “creeping cracks” serve as potent imagery for the subtle, often unnoticed, erosion of affection, trust, or shared purpose within the relationship. The willful ignorance of these warning signs sets the stage for inevitable collapse.
The Breaking Point: Self-Preservation and Fracture
The poem reaches its emotional climax with the stark portrayal of a relationship’s failure:
“And one day when the ice gives way
we will scramble to save ourselves
and not each other.”
This powerful statement reveals a painful truth about human nature in crisis: the instinct for self-preservation can override the bond that once united two people. The imagery of the ice “giving way” is a visceral representation of the relationship’s complete breakdown, leaving individuals to fend for themselves rather than offering mutual support.
The Aftermath: Resentment and Lingering Hope
The final stanzas explore the bitter aftermath of a broken relationship. The shift to “acquaintances” masks deeper, more painful emotions:
“(though secretly we’ll be enemies,
hurt by missing out on a medal,
jealous of new partners).”
The metaphor of a “medal” introduces a competitive element, suggesting that relationships can sometimes be viewed as contests, with feelings of loss and jealousy arising from perceived failures or the success of former partners. Despite this bitterness, the poem concludes with a surprising, yet deeply human, note of enduring hope:
“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).”
This concluding thought suggests that even after experiencing the “thinness of ice,” the desire for connection and reconciliation can persist, hinting at the cyclical nature of human relationships and the eternal hope for renewed friendship.
Literary Devices in “The Thickness of Ice”
Liz Loxley masterfully employs a range of literary devices to enrich the poem’s meaning and emotional resonance. Understanding these techniques deepens appreciation for “The Thickness of Ice” analysis.
Metaphor and Extended Metaphor
The entire poem functions as an extended metaphor, comparing a human relationship to skating on ice. The “thickness of ice” itself symbolizes the perceived strength and stability of the relationship, while its eventual “thaw” and “creeping cracks” represent the erosion of trust and affection. This central metaphor provides a consistent framework for exploring the relationship’s journey.
Simile
Similes are used to draw direct comparisons, making abstract concepts more tangible. For example, “At first we’ll be like skaters” immediately establishes the central comparison, highlighting the initial cautiousness and the inherent precariousness of the bond. Later, “Last of all we’ll be like children” emphasizes a return to a state of innocence or perhaps a renewed vulnerability after a painful experience.
Imagery
Loxley uses vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. The descriptions of “testing the thickness of ice,” “creeping cracks,” “steady thaw,” and the ice “giving way” are particularly powerful. These images evoke feelings of excitement, apprehension, decay, and sudden collapse, allowing readers to visualize and feel the emotional trajectory of the relationship.
Irony
A subtle yet profound irony permeates the poem. The title, “The Thickness of Ice,” initially suggests solidity and security. However, the poem meticulously details the fragility and eventual breakage of this seemingly strong surface. This contrast between expectation and reality heightens the poem’s emotional impact and underscores the inherent vulnerability of human connections.
Symbolism
Beyond the overarching metaphor, specific elements carry symbolic weight. The “ice” itself symbolizes the outward appearance of a relationship, seemingly solid and secure, yet concealing underlying vulnerability. The “centre of the lake” can symbolize the deepest level of intimacy and commitment. The “medal” in the fifth stanza symbolizes success or validation within the relationship, making its absence a source of “hurt” and “jealousy.”
Alliteration and Assonance
Loxley subtly uses sound devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and emphasize certain phrases. Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, can be observed in phrases like “much more” and “we will.” Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, is present in lines such as “Though secretly perhaps we may be hoping,” where the repeated ‘e’ sound creates a gentle, yearning quality.
Enjambment
The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, known as enjambment, is frequently used. The opening lines demonstrate this effectively:
“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)”
This technique mimics the hesitant, flowing nature of thought and conversation, drawing the reader into the speaker’s internal world and creating a sense of vulnerability and anticipation.
Poetic Devices in “The Thickness of Ice”
Beyond literary figures of speech, Loxley employs specific poetic techniques that shape the poem’s form and contribute to its profound impact.
Free Verse
The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This choice allows for a natural, conversational tone that mirrors the organic, often unpredictable, ebb and flow of human interaction. The absence of formal constraints reflects the unscripted and evolving nature of relationships, making the poem feel authentic and relatable.
Parenthetical Remarks
A distinctive feature of “The Thickness of Ice” is the frequent use of parenthetical remarks. These phrases, set off by parentheses, serve as intimate asides, revealing the speaker’s inner thoughts, unspoken anxieties, and hidden desires. For example, “(Though secretly I’ll be hoping…)” provides a direct glimpse into the speaker’s private world, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. These remarks create a sense of direct address and intimacy with the reader.
Repetition
Subtle repetition of phrases and structural elements reinforces key themes and creates a sense of cyclical pattern in the relationship. The recurring phrases “At first we’ll meet,” “Later we will,” and “Last of all we’ll meet” mark the distinct stages of the relationship’s progression. The repeated idea of “hoping” also underscores the persistent human desire for connection, even in the face of past hurts.
Structure and Stanza Breaks
The poem is composed of six concise stanzas, each typically four lines long, with the parenthetical remarks often adding an extra layer. This structure creates a sense of measured progression, allowing each stanza to represent a distinct phase or reflection within the relationship’s timeline. The stanza breaks create natural pauses, inviting the reader to reflect on the preceding lines and absorb the emotional weight of each stage before moving on.
The Enduring Resonance of “The Thickness of Ice”
“The Thickness of Ice” by Liz Loxley stands as a powerful and insightful poem that delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships. Through its brilliant extended metaphor of ice skating, the poem navigates the journey from hopeful beginnings to the inevitable challenges of complacency, fracture, and the bittersweet aftermath. The skillful deployment of literary and poetic devices, from vivid imagery and poignant irony to intimate parenthetical remarks and a natural free verse structure, ensures that its message is both deeply felt and universally understood. This poem serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to nurture connections and the enduring human capacity for both vulnerability and hope.