Answer:
Six letters do my name compound; among the aged oft I'm found; The shepherd also by the brook hears me when Leaning on his crook; but in the middle me divide and take the half on either side each backward read a liquor tell ev'ry gay toper knows it well.
So cold damp and dark I am. To stay you would refrain yet those who occupy me do never complain.
Everyone asks for me but yet everyone hates to face me. For someone I am agony for others I am relief. Who am I?
What is easy to get into but hard to get out of?
It's in your hand though you can not feel it. Only you and time can reveal it.
Give it food and it will live, give it water and it will die.