I can fly without wings. I can cry without eyes. Wherever I go, darkness follows me. What am I?

Why this works

At first glance, this riddle seems to dance on the edge of impossibility, but it cleverly reveals the enchanting nature of clouds. The first line, "I can fly without wings," introduces the idea of clouds drifting gracefully across the sky, propelled by the wind, yet lacking any physical appendages. The second line adds a poetic twist—"I can cry without eyes"—which refers to how clouds release rain, mimicking tears, even though they possess no facial features. The final line, "Wherever I go, darkness follows me," paints a vivid picture of storm clouds that often bring shadows and gloom, trailing behind them as they gather moisture and intensity. Delving deeper, we see how this riddle plays with language and imagery, inviting us to think beyond the literal. Clouds are a fascinating subject; they are composed of tiny water droplets and ice crystals that float in the atmosphere, yet they evoke emotions and symbolism across cultures—from the majestic to the melancholic. This interplay of science and art is what makes the riddle resonate so deeply; it captures the essence of clouds while sparking our imagination. As a fun fact, did you know that clouds are categorized into different types, such as cumulus, stratus, and cirrus, based on their shape and altitude? Each type tells a story about the weather to come, and just like this riddle, they remind us that nature is full of wonder and mystery, quietly shaping our world from above.