Answer:
When I get closer my tail grows longer, but when I go away my tail leads the way.
Often held but never touched. Always wet but never rusts. Often bits but seldom bit. To use it well you must have wit.
At first, I am nothing. Add something to negate. Add again to oppose. Add again to find the time to draw. Add once more to find nobody at all.
I work when I play and play when I work.
White bird, featherless, flying out of paradise. Flying over sea and land. Dying in my hand.
Almost everyone needs it, asks for it, gives it. But almost nobody takes it.