Answer:
What flares up and does a lot of good, and when it dies is just a piece of wood?
I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind.
A dagger thrust at my own heart, dictates the way I'm swayed. Left I stand, and right I yield, to the twisting of the blade.
It's usually found dried, but often kept slicker. Above another need, it's said to be thicker. What is it?
You can hold it without using your hands or arms. What is it?
When is it bad luck to see a black cat?