Answer:
My first is in fish but no in snail. My second is in rabbit but no in tail. My third is in up but not in down. My fourth is in tiara but not in crown. My fifth is in tree you plainly see. My whole a food for you and me.
Dies half its life. Lives the rest. Dances without music. Breathes without breath.
In buckles or lace, they help set the pace. The farther you go, the thinner they grow.
What travels from house to house and is sometimes narrow and sometimes wide but always stays outside?
What is the freedom of birds and the pen of old men?
You can always see it, but it's too far away to touch. Mountains rest on it, and at sea it surrounds you. What is it?