אייכה [Aiyeka] [English translation]

Master of the world

If I were to frankly admit it

At times I've no strength

To remain in Your world

Whence from Your presence would I hide?

What would I plead for, what excuse would I make, what words would I use?

Merciful and compassionate

Since to You all is revealed

Here's a Jew that hangs by a hair

Fights a depression, a despair

that gnaws like a worm;

Joy has departed from me and reason too

Voices from the past whisper I should halt

But I keep on groping in the dark

Imploring and entreating where are You?!

That old fool shoots arrows at me,

As I fall and stumble, he increases his might

Holy soul I beg of you do not weep

broken winged,

For surely you'll attest

how greatly I've yearned

When secrets from the past commanded me to halt

Yet I keep on groping in the dark

Imploring and entreating,

Where are You?!

Ultimately I would be washed out to the shore,

The compassionate earth would gather me in

And then I'll cry out, and make excuses and relate

How in this darkness I've groped

Imploring entreating and longing!

Where are You?!