Ring without finger, guard without sword, Silent I circle a vulnerable lord. I drown every footstep that comes without leave, Yet carry no weapons you’d think stop a thief. What am I?

I come and go without moving at all. You can chase me for miles, but you’ll never get closer. I’m always in front of you, even when you turn away. What am I?

I share my name with a capital city; You’ll think my red color is fiery and pretty; I was born in the remnants of a Life u sending; I’m not really real, but what’s wrong with pretending?

I swell beneath the moon’s cold gaze, Retreat, return in measured ways. I change the shore, the mind, the year, A rising force both far and near. You feel me shift in blood and wave, The cyclic pull you cannot save.

Many try to diminish my doings. The cause of a new world order. I bring with me death, famine, and disease. To the benefit of a few and the detriment of the majority. I destroyed worlds. What am I?