12. Our leaders have been taken and hanged;our elders are shown no respect.
13. Our young men are forced to grind corn like slaves;boys go staggering under heavy loads of wood.
14. The old people no longer sit at the city gate,and the young people no longer make music.
15. Happiness has gone out of our lives;grief has taken the place of our dances.
16. Nothing is left of all we were proud of.We sinned, and now we are doomed.
17. We are sick at our very heartsand can hardly see through our tears,
18. because Mount Zion lies lonely and deserted,and wild jackals prowl through its ruins.
19. But you, O Lord, are king for ever,and will rule to the end of time.
20. Why have you abandoned us so long?Will you ever remember us again?
21. Bring us back to you, Lord! Bring us back!Restore our ancient glory.
22. Or have you rejected us for ever?Is there no limit to your anger?