1. Our Lord, don't forgethow we have sufferedand been disgraced.
2. Foreigners and strangershave taken our landand our homes.
3. We are like childrenwhose mothers are widows.
4. The water we drinkand the wood we burncost far too much.
5. We are terribly ill-treated;we are worn outand can find no rest.
6. We had to surrenderto Egypt and Assyriabecause we were hungry.
7. Our ancestors sinned,but they are dead,and we are left to payfor their sins.
8. Slaves are now our rulers,and there is no oneto set us free.
9. We are in dangerfrom brutal desert tribes;we must risk our livesjust to bring in our crops.
10. Our skin is scorchedfrom fever and hunger.
11. On Zion and everywhere in Judahour wives and daughtersare being raped.
12. Our rulers are strung upby their arms,and our nation's advisersare treated shamefully.
13. Young men are forcedto do the work of slaves;boys must carryheavy loads of wood.
14. Our leaders are not allowedto decide cases in court,and young peopleno longer play music.
15. Our hearts are sad;instead of dancing,we mourn.
16. Zion's glory has disappeared!And we are doomedbecause of our sins.
17. We feel sick all overand can't even see straight;
18. our city is in ruins,overrun by wild dogs.
19. You will rule for ever, Lord!You are King for all time.
20. Why have you forgotten usfor so long?
21. Bring us back to you!Give us a fresh start.
22. Or do you despise us so muchthat you don't want us?