Lamentations 5

New International Version Translation

America's Multiracial Urban Crisis
Similar to Jerusalem's in 590 BC

Remember, O LORD, what has happened to [our cities]; look, and see ourdisgrace. Our [country] has been turned over to aliens, our homes to foreigners.We have become orphans and fatherless. We must buy the water we drink; our[heating fuel] can be had only at a price. We are weary and find no rest.

Slaves rule over us, and there is none to free us from their hands. [Our]women have been ravished. [Our] elders are shown no respect. [Our] eldersare gone from the city gate [to the suburbs]; the young men have stoppedtheir music [to sell drugs].

Joy is gone from our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning [becausemurder and decadence is all around us].