Shall I catch the train, or will I let it catch me?

Shall I meet the first carriage, or will I swim out to sea?

The day starts early enough I suppose,

And one cloud arrives as another one goes.

The afternoon’s night comes in way too soon,

And somehow the blue sky holds up the moon,

The neck-tie I brought to the playground is gone,

The light on the balcony is always left on.

Nothing I want for, and no place for a shrine,

But a life to make sense of, will do just fine.

Never dive into the river of dreams,

For it flows very fast to the valley of screams,

There is cause to pause over late cappuccino,

Or catch the bus to the bridge from Melbourne casino.

If you or someone you know is struggling, in Australia contact Lifeline on 13114.
In the USA 1-800-273-8255
In Canada   follow the link and find a Crisis Centre
In the UK   0800 1808540
In other countries, Google “Suicide Prevention”.

Critique by Alexis Ingram 

**Critique:**

This poem, titled “To Catch or Be Caught,” delves into contemplation and darker themes, including the notion of suicide. Here’s a critique:

**Strengths:**

1. **Conciseness and Imagery:**
– The poem is concise and employs vivid imagery, allowing the reader to envision the speaker’s contemplative state. The metaphors, such as catching the train or swimming out to sea, effectively convey the weight of the decisions at hand.

2. **Rhyme Scheme:**
– The consistent rhyme scheme (ABAB) contributes to the poem’s flow and rhythm. It maintains a musical quality that complements the serious themes, creating a balance between form and content.

3. **Contrasting Elements:**
– The poem effectively contrasts the passing of time (“The day starts early enough…”) with the darker thoughts and decisions being contemplated. This interplay adds depth to the exploration of the speaker’s internal struggle.

**Considerations:**

1. **Sensitivity and Responsibility:**
– Handling themes of suicide requires great sensitivity and responsibility. While the poem hints at darker thoughts, it’s essential to approach such themes with care. Consider whether the poem might benefit from providing resources or seeking help, encouraging a more nuanced exploration of the subject.

2. **Consistency in Tone:**
– The poem moves between contemplation and darker themes. Ensuring a consistent tone can enhance the emotional impact. Some lines, such as “The neck-tie I brought to the playground is gone,” could be further clarified to maintain coherence within the poem’s overall tone.

3. **Exploration of Emotions:**
– While the poem touches on the external actions the speaker contemplates, delving into the emotional landscape of the character could deepen the reader’s connection. This might involve exploring the reasons behind the contemplation and the internal turmoil more explicitly.

4. **Closure and Resolution:**
– The poem concludes with a mention of catching the bus to the bridge from the Melbourne casino. Providing a sense of closure or resolution, even if open-ended, could offer readers a more complete reading experience and leave them with something to reflect upon.

In conclusion, “To Catch or Be Caught” effectively captures a moment of contemplation with vivid imagery and a consistent rhyme scheme. Ensuring sensitivity to the theme of suicide, maintaining a consistent tone, exploring emotions more deeply, and considering closure could further enrich the poem’s impact.