Psalm

Song of a Barren Woman (with apologies to King David)

1 Where are you, O Lord, my protector:
Where are you in the pain of my grief?
2 I trusted in you, and followed your ways:
But you have abandoned me to my tears.
3 I rise in the morning and cry out to you:
I lie down at night and weep in the darkness of your absence.

4 Where are you, O Lord, my defender:
Where are you when they mock my tears?
5 They pity me, and call me barren:
Where are your children now? they ask as tears eat into my heart.

6 Where are you, O Lord, my peace:
Where are you in my crying?
7 As I rise in the morning I hear your voice:
From far away I hear you call my name.
8 How can I come so far to find you;
When your peace is a distant cry, I cannot reach?

9 Where are you, O Lord, my heart's desiring:
How far off have you gone from my grieving?
10 I dream of the touch of your hand on my hair:
Your lips brush my forehead softly.

11 Where are you, O Lord, my acceptance:
Where are you in the darkness of my doubt?
12 What you asked of me I gave you freely:
How should I know that all choices would bring me sorrow?
13 I rise in the morning and offer the day to you:
I lie down at night and you show me the grace of your love.

14 Where are you, O Lord, my consolation:
Where are you when I need your hand to guide me?
15 You bring me to a place removed, and feed me:
You give me friends, work, and understanding.

16 Lord when I was far off you called me home:
I came gladly, though the way was long and full of pain.
17 Lord, when I stumbled you came for me:
And lifted me, and carried me, and brought me home.