The following poem traces different milestones within a relationship, from the first meeting through its development and breakdown and eventually to both parties moving on.
The Thickness of Ice By Liz Loxley
At fi rst 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 fi rst 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, 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).
