In many great novels, to the reader I appear
Great novels have a very compelling theme.
Adjust me, and I describe things that are near
Would you perhaps be referencing these, over here? (m -> s)
Once more, and my meaning changes only slightly
Or perhaps you mean those? (e -> o)
Again, and you exercised your free will, rightly
If you exercised your free will, you chose something. (t -> c)
Yet another, and I'm something we all ought to do
I thought this was share, but it turns out we should all do a chore once in awhile. (s -> r)
Again, I'm a boundary with a beautiful view
Especially beautiful at sunset or sunrise, this references the shore. (c -> s)
Again, I'm a place to which many must go
If you need to buy something, you have to go to the store. (h -> t)
And again, I'm a thing wise men shouldn't throw
If you're wise, you will throw no stone. (r -> n)
Now behead me, I'm a thing you must watch while you speak
I know I've heard this from my mother: you better watch your tone! (goodbye, s)
Behead me once more, and my use is widespread
The number one is a pretty widespread number, I'd say. (goodbye, t)
Or instead take my foot, of hard things I am said
That thing must weigh a ton! (goodbye, e)