The phrase 'At the Crossroads' is a metaphor for a decision-making time. It is a time when a person faces a dilemma and has to decide whether to do one thing or another. By definition, the word 'crossroad' is defined as being 'an intersection of two roads'. When 'at the crossroads', one is at a point where they have to make a choice. The poems 'Leaving school' and 'Half-past two' both reflect the phrase 'At the crossroads'. They convey a meaning of new experiences and decision-making, which is why it so intriguing and carries a message that we can all relate to. It is of learning and fear, and the two poets convey this explicitly through their language they use.

'Half-past two' is about a young boy who cannot tell time so he puts words together to keep up with it. The poem is told from a child's...