Answer:
When young, I am sweet in the sun. When middle-aged, I make you gay. When old, I am valued more than ever. What am I?
I am owned by the poor the rich does not need me. If you eat me you will die!
I dig out tiny caves and store gold and silver in them. I also build bridges of silver and make crowns of gold. Sooner or later everybody needs my help yet many people are afraid to let me help them.
You can build or destroy. Let creativity soar but be careful at night.
I have no head and a tail I lack but I do have arms and legs and back; I inhabit the palace the tavern the cot 'tis a beggarly residence where I am not. If a monarch were present (I tell you no fable) I still should be placed at the head of the table.
Almost everyone needs it, asks for it, gives it. But almost nobody takes it.