O Lord,
Why does my heart cry out within me?
Why does it leap from mountain to valley,
From lofty tree to thorny bush?
Why does it smile sweetly and begin to sing,
Only to sigh and be downcast in another moment?
Truly, it does not reflect my life,
For my life is stable, and filled with good things,
You look upon me with love and blessing,
Caring and soothing are your ways.
But my heart won’t be hemmed in,
It refuses to be tranquil,
Like a high-spirited horse refusing to be stabled.
But on you I can always count,
To fill me with joy,
And satisfaction.
May I not sting others when I feel I’m in a pit,
Nor spit poison on myself when I see through clouded eyes.