Name a poem you have studied which makes you happy or sad. Give reasons why you liked or disliked this poem.The poem I have studied is called ‘The Thickness of Ice’ by Liz Loxley. This poem makes me sad because it is describing a failed relationship. The overall theme of the poem is love but also loss. The poem is a metaphor where a relationship is being compared to the thickness of ice.

At the beginning of the poem, we see that both people are secretly hoping one will notice the other and soon a friendship turns into a relationship where both people become close and begin to skate towards the centre of the lake. As they skate towards the centre, unity and commitment are evident. They are now more comfortable with each other’s company.Later, we learn that they become ‘less anxious to impress’ as they both become content with ‘simple movements’. This

highlights they are now at ease in each others company. There is no need to constantly try and impress the other.

The next line of the poem makes me sad because as time goes on, the poet tells us that they will scramble ‘to save ourselves and not each other’. Immediately, this creates distance between the pair as they not longer do ‘triple jumps and spins’ in an attempt to impress each other.

Another reason the poem makes me sad is because ‘creeping cracks’ begin to appear in their relationship and this shows the difficulties they have. By the end of the poem, we know that the ice is not thick enough to support their fragile relationship. The poem has an unhappy ending and I also think that everyone can relate to a failed relationship at some stage in their lives.