Lamentations 5

1Remember, O Yahweh, what has happened to us; look, and see our disgrace.

2Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners.

3We have become orphans, without a father; our mothers are like widows.

4We drink our water for silver; our wood comes at a price.

5We are pursued at our necks; we are weary; no rest is given to us.

6We have given the hand to Egypt and to Assyria, to get enough bread.

7Our fathers sinned, and they are no more; but we bear their iniquities.

8Servants rule over us; there is no one to rescue us from their hand.

9At the risk of our lives we get our bread, because of the sword in the wilderness.

10Our skin is as hot as an oven because of the burning heat of famine.

11Women in Zion were violated, virgins in the cities of Judah.

12Princes were hung up by their hands; the faces of elders were not honored.

13Young men carry millstones, and boys stagger under wood.

14The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their music.

15The joy of our heart has ceased; our dancing has turned to mourning.

16The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned.

17Because of this our heart has become sick; because of these things our eyes have grown dim.

18because Mount Zion lies desolate; foxes walk on it.

19But you, O Yahweh, sit enthroned forever; your throne is from generation to generation.

20Why do you forget us forever? Why do you abandon us for so many days?

21Restore us to yourself, O Yahweh, that we may return; renew our days as of old.

22unless you have utterly rejected us and are exceedingly angry with us.