1. O Lord— do not rebuke me in Your rage, Nor scourge me in the furnace of Your wrath. I wither like a flower parched with age— How long? Turn back before I tread death’s path. 2. My soul is shaken, raw with endless grief, Bones trembling as the night devours the sun. Save me!—not for merit, but relief— Where is the love Your mercy once had won? 3. The grave remembers no one. Can the dust Sing praise to You or whisper of Your grace? I flood my bed with weeping, endless rust Corrodes my strength. My foes smirk at my face. 4. Away!—all you who feed on others’ pain, The Lord has heard my gasping, tear-stained plea. He claims my voice, my breaking like a chain— Your shame will boomerang and strike your knee.
