4. My heart is like grassthat has been cut and dried.I forget to eat.
5. Because of my grief,my skin hangs on my bones.
6. I am like a desert owl.I am like an owl living among the ruins.
7. I lie awake.I am like a lonely bird on a housetop.
8. All day long enemies insult me.Those who make fun of me use my name as a curse.
9. I eat ashes as my food.My tears fall into my drinks.
10. Because of your great anger,you have picked me up and thrown me away.
11. My days are like a passing shadow.I am like dried grass.
12. But, Lord, you rule forever.Your fame continues from now on.
13. You will come and have mercy on Jerusalem.The time has now come to be kind to her.
14. Your servants love even her stones.They even care about her dust.
15. Nations will fear the name of the Lord.All the kings on earth will honor him.
16. The Lord will rebuild Jerusalem.There his glory will be seen.
17. He will answer the prayers of the needy.He will not reject their prayers.
18. Write these things for the future.Then people who are not yet born will praise the Lord.