Answer:
Ripped from my mother's womb. Beaten and burned, I become a blood thirsty killer.
I can be short and sometimes hot. When displayed, I rarely impress.
What measures out time. Until in time all is smashed to it?
We travel much, yet prisoners are, and close confined to boot. Yet with any horse, we will keep the pace, and will always go on foot.
What makes a loud noise when changing its jacket, becomes larger but weighs less?
I am the fountain from which no one can drink. For many I am considered a necessary link. Like gold to all I am sought for, but my continued death brings wealth for all to want more.