Metaphors

[Gabe1]

by Sylvia Plath


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.

[Tony Smith]

Congratulations, Gabriel! When are you due?

[Gabe1]

Heh.

[Steph#2]

Gabriel,

Sylvia thinks in metaphors as easily as I tie my shoelaces.

But I’m not envious.

Steph#2
mutter, mutter, curse, curse.