A Riddle

What did we cry to greet at the first time
But would do anything now to keep?
What is more precious than diamonds and rubies?
A constant visitor when we are asleep?
What do we love to let go of, and welcome again,
Take quite for granted but clutch when in pain?

What gasps at our weakness
Sighs our delight
Catches in laughter
But leaves at our fright?

What has seen everything
Knows all we are
Is there in all trouble
And never goes far?

For it always comes back to us, hidden from sight,
To feed and protect us – through black spots and bright.

It passes all boundaries and fills earth and sky
but its beauty is closeness; its truth does not lie
For it keeps us all separate, yet makes us all one:
The source of all mystery, trouble – and fun.

So where do you start and where do you end
Our teacher and cleaner, inspirer, best friend?
You’ve given us everything; what can we give?
For you’ll keep us all going as long as we live…..