The Moth and the Candle

I stand near you, in all places you can think of
I am closer to you than hate, more invidious than love
Not to be seen by peoples of this time and of this place
In the mists of the damned I walk silently without trace
Wild and unstable, arcing through the air, from mind to mind
Underneath idle thoughts I hide carefully but not to be kind
Unknown to most, hidden knowledge of the arcane
I can fuel fears and ecstasy and drive you insane
I get bridges built, inventions invented, songs sung
Justify invasions, laws written and many, many massacres done
To me then, creator of false hopes and improbable dreams
Because no matter how well you know me, all is not what it seems