Without a voice I tell countless tales, I turn silent thoughts into written word, My mark remains where memory fails, For I am mightier than the sword. What am I?

Some people spend years running from me. Others spend years wishing they could revisit me. Neither ever catches me.

I measure your life but I carry no clock, I slip through your fingers yet shatter no rock. I rust mighty empires and soften a tear, I blur every footprint the longer I steer. You cannot reclaim me or make me restart, Yet waste me each day with a light, careless heart. I move without motion, I fall without sound, I bury all moments and never am found.

When shadows shrink and then grow long, The fire calls the drum, the song. I'm not the night, I'm not the day. I'm the turning point where light holds sway. Once a year I bring the crowd, To dance round flames and sing out loud. What am I?

A country one took John Denver home, Dorothy skipped down one of yellow brick, Red Hot Chili Peppers were trippin' on the coast, One to El Dorado carried two Spaniards who were slick