This past year at Conception, I took an incredible course on the Psalms with Abbot Gregory — quite the scholar in Hebrew Scriptures.  Part of our midterm exam was to write a psalm of lament according to Hebrew structure and using Hebrew terminology and literary devices.  I’ve been a little down these last couple of days, though it’s mostly the side effects of transitioning from Conception back to Schuyler.  I’ll get over it, but here’s my lament anyway.  See if you can find the various literary devices! 

O God you are my savior;

You free me from foes near and far.

The unrighteous speak words of disgust.

The impious slander my name.

I am brought down by their anger and fury;

My soul crushed by their rage.

Why must the wicked utter falsehood;

The unjust make statements of revulsion?

In the struggle my heart is torn.

In my distress my body is rent.

The light of my eyes has dimmed;

The brilliance of my face faded by tears.

How long must I wait for your help O God?

When will your hand reach down to save me?

Still, I wait for your compassion.

From morning to night I trust in your assistance.

Your steadfast and merciful love

Are ever present to a righteous servant.

In the flood of enemy words answer me.

From the surge of lying tongues raise me up.

Strike down my enemies with the sound of your voice;

By your word deliver me from my foes.

Then I shall praise your name

And sing songs in your honor, O Most High.

I will tell of your glory to all generations.

I will proclaim your saving love to all the nations.

O God you are my savior;

You free me from foes near and far.