14The elders no longer sit in the city gates;

the young men no longer dance and sing.

15Joy has left our hearts;

our dancing has turned to mourning.

16The garlands have^b fallen from our heads.

Weep for us because we have sinned.

17Our hearts are sick and weary,

and our eyes grow dim with tears.

18For Jerusalem^c is empty and desolate,

a place haunted by jackals.

19But Lord, you remain the same forever!

Your throne continues from generation to generation.

20Why do you continue to forget us?

Why have you abandoned us for so long?

21Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again!

Give us back the joys we once had!

22Or have you utterly rejected us?

Are you angry with us still?