Left on my own, I’ll help you ascend With age, into violence I’m bound to descend Add a common insect and I’m proliferation without end Add me to art and your castle wall I’ll defend

I can spin for seconds or even minutes, but I cannot be on the bottom. You might see me in a children’s toy box or as a flavor of quark.

I follow picnic, periodic, and dinner, But I come after of contents, tennis, and manners.

Porcelain fine or paper light, I hold your meal just right. Or,beneath the ground, I shift and break, causing lands to bend and shake.

I am surrounded by herbs and spices, but i reign supreme, but I do not have color except black, white, and pink. You might find me in spicy food, on a steak, or in a grinder.