14. Again and again God attacks me.He runs at me like a soldier.
15. “I have sewed rough cloth over my skin to show my sadness.I have buried my face in the dust.
16. My face is red from crying.I have dark circles around my eyes.
17. And yet my hands have never done anything cruel.And my prayer is pure.
18. “Earth, please do not cover up my blood.Don’t let my cry ever stop being heard!
19. Even now I have one who speaks for me in heaven.The one who is on my side is high above.
20. The one who speaks for me is my friend.While he does this, my eyes pour out tears to God.
21. He begs God on behalf of a manas a man begs for his friend.
22. “Only a few years will passbefore I go on the journey from which I cannot return.