What is a metaphor? What fact about the speaker do all of the metaphors in this poem refer to? If you think of this poem as being a riddle, what is the answer to the riddle?
Why does the speaker in line one say that she is a riddle? Why nine syllables? If you look at the whole poem, you will see that it has nine lines; can you suggest a reason why?
How does the speaker feel about her situation? About her new identity?
Explain the final line of the poem. What do you think of her tone--full of expection, or with resignation? Do you agree with the speaker? Have you ever been on "a train theree's no getting off"?
Application & Wild Association
Compare the poem with the animation "The Bulge" and Chagall's painting (see Above). How different are these three (four, if you include the animator's) presentations of pregnancy? Do the differences have to do with the gender of the poets, painter and animator? What is your view of pregnant woman?
