Answer:
An open ended barrel, it is shaped like a hive. It is filled with the flesh, and the flesh is alive.
Do you know what you can hold without ever touching it?
What runs around all day. Then lies under the bed. With its tongue hanging out?
What lies in a tunnel of darkness. That can only attack when pulled back?
What gets beaten, and whipped, but never cries?
What is so fragile that saying its name breaks it?