Laughingstock

I’m a man who’s seen affliction

By the rod of my Lord’s wrath

He has driven me away from light and peace

He has broken and besieged me

And darkened every path

Weighed me down in chains with no release

I’m a laughingstock

They mock me in their songs

All day long, they mock me in their songs

My heart is pierced with arrows

I am hunted like a bird

Acid herbs and gall my bitter brew

So I say, “Where is my splendor?

All I’ve hoped for from the Lord?”

I pray but not one prayer has made it through

I can hear them talk

All they do is talk

People love to talk, and mock me in their songs

Let us test our ways

Lift our hearts and hands to God and say

“We’re wrong!  We’ve done wrong!”

Let our enemies

Who plot vengeance upon you and me

Not scheme unscathed for long

and choke upon their songs

God won’t cast me off forever

From the pit He hears my plea

I have called upon His name and felt Him near

He has seen His foes conspiring

Heard the insults hurled at me

But the shield of the Most High reads “Do not fear.”

Let them talk – and feel the aftershock