1. Hear my prayer, Lord; let my cry for help come to you.
2. Do not hide your face from me when I am in distress. Turn your ear to me; when I call, answer me quickly.
3. For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn like glowing embers.
4. My heart is blighted and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.
5. In my distress I groan aloud and am reduced to skin and bones.
6. I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins.
7. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.
8. All day long my enemies taunt me; those who rail against me use my name as a curse.
9. For I eat ashes as my food and mingle my drink with tears