² Please listen and answer me,
    for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.

¹⁴ Delirious, I chattered like a swallow or a crane,
    and then I moaned like a mourning dove.
My eyes grew tired of looking to heaven for help.
    I am in trouble, Lord. Help me!”

⁹ I eat ashes for food.
    My tears run down into my drink
¹⁰ because of your anger and wrath.
    For you have picked me up and thrown me out.

³ I think of God, and I moan,
    overwhelmed with longing for his help. Interlude

¹⁹ But God did listen!
    He paid attention to my prayer.

¹ O God, listen to my complaint.
    Protect my life from my enemies’ threats.

⁶ I am bent over and racked with pain.
    All day long I walk around filled with grief.

¹¹ We growl like hungry bears;
    we moan like mournful doves.
We look for justice, but it never comes.
    We look for rescue, but it is far away from us.

¹ O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever?
    How long will you look the other way?
² How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,
    with sorrow in my heart every day?
    How long will my enemy have the upper hand?