1. Why is life so hard?Why do we suffer?
2. We are slaves in search of shade;we are labourers longingfor our wages.
3. God has made my days drag onand my nights miserable.
4. I pray for night to end,but it stretches outwhile I toss and turn.
5. My parched skin is coveredwith worms, dirt, and sores,
6. and my days are running outquicker than the threadof a fast-moving needle.
7. I beg you, God, don't forget!My life is just a breath,and trouble lies ahead.
8. I will vanish from sight,and no one, including you,will ever see me again.
9. I will disappear in the graveor vanish from sightlike a passing cloud.
10. Never will I return home;soon I will be forgotten.
11. And so, I cry out to youin agony and distress.
12. Am I the sea or a sea monster?Is that why you imprison me?
13. I go to bed, hoping for rest,
14. but you torture mewith terrible dreams.
15-16. I'd rather choke to deaththan live in this body.Leave me alone and let me die;my life has no meaning.