I've saved a country from famine, it's true. I can be used boiled, mashed, or stuck in a stew. Many people enjoy me in myriad ways, though fried is my most popular taste.

I am four letters, older than words for hunger, Praising poets or blamed by preachers. I drive kings and thieves with equal might, Pleasure once my name, now sin in the light. What am I?

On paper we record history for keeps. On phone we ignore some ignorant tweets. As a noun I helped society remember its prime. As a verb I am often seen as a waste of time.

If you don't pay me attention I'll knock down your Christmas tree. Don't you know the Ancient Egyptians used to worship me?

Protector of thieves and cunning in my art, I lead souls to Hades when life must depart.