3-5. And you! Are you indifferent, above it all,leaning back on the cushions of Israel’s praise?We know you were there for our parents:they cried for your help and you gave it;they trusted and lived a good life.
6-8. And here I am, a nothing—an earthworm,something to step on, to squash.Everyone pokes fun at me;they make faces at me, they shake their heads:“Let’s see how God handles this one;since God likes him so much, let him help him!”
9-11. And to think you were midwife at my birth,setting me at my mother’s breasts!When I left the womb you cradled me;since the moment of birth you’ve been my God.Then you moved far awayand trouble moved in next door.I need a neighbor.
12-13. Herds of bulls come at me,the raging bulls stampede,Horns lowered, nostrils flaring,like a herd of buffalo on the move.
14-15. I’m a bucket kicked over and spilled,every joint in my body has been pulled apart.My heart is a blobof melted wax in my gut.I’m dry as a bone,my tongue black and swollen.They have laid me out for burialin the dirt.