Writings say a stranger lives
among mankind much of the time,
visible and plain. It has secret power,
much more than men know.
It will visit every individual
separately, setting back out on its way.
It is never there a second night
but must forever roam homeless
on the road of exile, no more wretched for that.
It never lands on earth, has neither foot nor hand
nor even one single eye,
nor has a mouth, nor speaks with men,
nor has a mind, but writings say
it is the poorest of all creatures
born according to their kinds.
It has no soul nor life, but lays tracks
widely through this world of wonders.
It has no blood nor bones, yet has brought
comfort to many men throughout the earth.
It has never touched heaven, nor may go to hell,
but must live eternal in the teachings
of the king of glory. The long account
of its life's latter course
in fate's crooked decrees would be a curious thing
to tell. All is true
which wise words say about this creature;
it has no limbs, yet lives just the same.
If you can fathom riddles rightly
and swiftly, say what it is called.