Chapter V

I am mingled with your victuals, yet 'm never in your mouth;
I always lead the van and must forever stem the wave;
I grow in every gravel bed, East, West, or North, or South,
And although I'm with the living, you will find me in the grave.

U

I live in the urn, but not in the vase,
I always can run, but I never can race.
I tumble and jump, but I can't hop nor skip;
I hide in your mouth, but I ne'er touch your lip.

T

I'm doubled up in a patty-pan,
Yet I never saw a pie;
I hide in the boy's first pair of boots,
Nor pass his mittens by.

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S

I am always in sadness, yet never know grief;
Then, too, I'm in gladness, which gives me relief.
I know not the ocean, but swim in the sea,
And the stars and the sunshine were not, but for me.

R

I live at both ends of a river,
My home is the center of art;
I am found in both arrows and quiver
Yet I quietly rest in your heart.

Q

I lead the queen, yet never walk
Without you (u) at my heels;
I laugh at every question queer,
And joy in piggy's squeals.

P

I perch on every pepper-pod,
I peer in every place;
I prance with every palfrey gay,
Yet never run nor race.

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O

Listen, children, and you'll hear me in the cooing of the dove;
In the lowing of the kine and the crowing of the cocks;
I am in your joy and sorrow, and I come to you in love,
And you will find me safely hidden in the middle of your box.

N

I live in the moon, yet I visit the sun,
I've twice blest the noon, and I've twice kissed the nun;
I was in the beginning, yes, double and treble,
And wherever's an end I am always in the middle.