Glittering points
That downward thrust,
Sparkling spears
That never rust.

I am seen in the water
If seen in the sky,
I am in the rainbow,
A jay’s feather,
And lapis lazuli.

My life can be measured in hours,
I serve by being devoured.
Thin, I am quick
Fat, I am slow
Wind is my foe.

Each morning I appear
To lie at your feet,
All day I will follow
No matter how fast you run,
Yet I nearly perish
In the midday sun.

Lighter than what
I am made of,
More of me is hidden
Than is seen.

When set loose
I fly away,
Never so cursed
As when I go astray.

I drive men mad
For love of me,
Easily beaten,
Never free.

Until I am measured
I am not known,
Yet how you miss me
When I have flown.

If you break me
I do not stop working,
If you touch me
I may be snared,
If you lose me
Nothing will matter.

All about, but cannot be seen,
Can be captured, cannot be held,
No throat, but can be heard.