metaphors

i'm a riddle in nine syllables,
an elephant, a ponderous house,
a melon strolling on two tendrils.
o red fruit, ivory, fine timbers!
this loaf's big with its yeasty rising.
money's new-minted in this fat purse.
i'm a means, a stage, a cow in calf.
i've eaten a bag of green apples,
boarded the train there's no getting off.

sylvia plath