I have a single waving hand I'm present in places across the land On fairer days, I depart I shorten with a broken heart. What am I?

Why this works

This riddle cleverly describes a flag using metaphorical language. The "single waving hand" refers to the way a flag waves in the wind, while "present in places across the land" highlights that flags are common symbols found in various locations—countries, states, and organizations. The line "On fairer days, I depart" suggests that flags are often flown on sunny, pleasant days and may be taken down during storms or bad weather. Lastly, "I shorten with a broken heart" plays on the idea that when a flag is at half-mast, it is typically a sign of mourning, thus "shortening" its height. This combination of imagery and dual meanings makes the riddle engaging and thought-provoking!