Lin Lane Poet Haibun

Notes About The Poem

Edward's Pick-A-Title Vol.54 Contest ~ 8/14/25

Fool's Errand

There is no power greater than the Lord's, but there is a powerful lesson to be learned by not stumbling off on a fool's errand. That idiom is a phrase that explains the undertaking of a futile effort to find or prove something that is an impossible task. Thus, the effort becomes a waste of time and a fool's game to play. It is doomed to succeed from the start, even if the journey taken is by one with a good heart. The goal will never be reached when shrewd ones preach one thing and hand out rose-colored glasses to disguise words they speak but never practice. They tickle the ears of all who will listen, but the truth is what the naive ones will never hear. The real fool's errand is trying to unveil the fools who in spite of all efforts to conceal it, reveal themselves when the truth will out.

                                   it's a waste of time
                                   to go on a fool's errand~
                                   fruitless endeavor

The phrase itself implies that it would be an unproductive effort and a lesson in futility such as Sisyphus rolling a boulder uphill only to watch it roll back down again. So, don't allow yourself to be disappointed, nor disjointed when the foolhardy in the world ..."don't know how to get along, yet, they pretend they've done nothing wrong."* It would be much wiser to avoid engaging with those who are always caught up in the throes of what they haughtily impose upon unsuspecting others. Excuse these added idioms, but they will help make the point about not getting a nose out of joint thinking a fool's errand is 'not my cup of tea.' Or, I'd rather 'call it a day' then chase a fool whose life has gone astray. Don't 'shoot yourself in the foot' by being a fool on an errand that will only prove to be 'a wild goose chase.'

                                     in a world of fools
                          don't be duped to prove them wrong~
                                   prove yourself wiser


*  Sandra Feldman in her poem: 'Foolish World'

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Edward Ibeh September 7, 2025 at 4:49 AM Heartiest congratulations on your top win in my contest with this excellent haibun, Lin. I especially loved your senryus. Great message in your poem! Lin Lane September 7, 2025 at 7:10 AM Edward, I always feel honored to find one of my poems on your winning list. Thank you so much.

Duke Beaufort August 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM Lin, there are so many examples of this type of behavior right in front of our eyes. I think you are onto something very wise. That is...we don't want to be sucked into this type of thinking. Hard to resist when the pied piper is well and everywhere. Smiles! Lin Lane August 21, 2025 at 2:53 AM He can play his pipe as loudly as he chooses. My ears will not be tickled by him to follow his path. You're correct in thinking that it's boldly portrayed here.

CayCay Godwin August 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM This has an amazing, convincing, ear catching and holding tone. I was engaged and by the end, I believed every word. Except isn't it doomed to fail, not doomed to succeed? I've sent you a message and you'll soon read why I'm tired enough to not be thinking clearly, but right now I think it is doomed to fail. I know nothing of this contest, probably won't 'move' me but I love what you did with it. Poetry hugs ... CayCay Lin Lane August 15, 2025 at 2:05 PM Hi CayCay. A fools errand will never succeed so it’s doomed, no matter which path is chosen. ;-)

David Kavanagh August 15, 2025 at 2:30 AM Heya Lin, I have some of the whackiest theories out there, but they are based purely on imagination, and self evident instinct, rather than any belief system that some people like to sell us, whilst pouring cold water on our backs, all the time pretending they have done nothing wrong, your logical Haibun unpacks a lot of self evident revelations, A fave for sure, cheers David Lin Lane August 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM I'd never call your theories whacky, David... just open-minded. A cold shower has opened our eyes to reality where those who enjoy pouring the cold water are living in their delusional realms of self gratification. Thanks so much for your insightful thoughts and the fave! ;-)

Tom Cunningham August 14, 2025 at 7:33 PM A verse of wisdom Lin, reminds me of Canute telling the waves to stop lol. A fave for me. Tom Lin Lane August 15, 2025 at 3:21 AM the hand that holds back the water is human only if it knows how to turn off a faucet. lol Thanks, for the comments and the fave, Tom.

Jan Allison August 14, 2025 at 12:37 PM you certainly pulled out all the stops with this one Lin! powerfully penned indeed! hugs Jan xx Jan Allison August 14, 2025 at 12:42 PM wise words indeed Lin!! Lin Lane August 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM Ya know, chick... out of all the words I used to write this Haibun, the last three in the senryu are the most important ones. ;-)

Paula Goldsmith August 14, 2025 at 12:04 PM WOW!!! What a powerful write you have here. Love how you started this one. Lord all powerful and lessons for us to learn. That is life. Great way to end. We sure are in a crazy world of fools. Yes, we must be wiser. "Good Luck" We both did this contest. Have A Blessed Day Writing Away............ Lin Lane August 14, 2025 at 12:18 PM Hi, Paula and thanks so much for the read and comments. Good luck to you as well in Edward's contest.