I bear my wandering
[The Jewish people:]
I bear my wandering; I take delight in my exile.
I serve my subjugator; I am hopeful in my sickness.
Let my captivity be pleasing to me, let me not reject the [moral message of] rebuke.
Let me bear my sickness and not disdain the rebuke.
On my cheek, I’ll place the yoke of my foe and the one who handed me over.
I’ll be thrilled with my disaster, joyful in my poverty.
My sickness and indigence are my glory!
My foes hate me, a vain hate, because I keep Your law.
They betray Your covenant and make me jealous with their false god [see Deuteronomy 32:21].
They have nearly made me sin by worshiping another than You!
But I, as long as I live, place You as my strength.
I’ll stand firm in my position, not veer from my path!
I have no more thoughts of calculating when my distress will end.
My visions are obstructed, with none to reveal prophecy to me.
Hidden from my eyes is the time of my rescue.
My enemies face me in my borders, my inheritance.
They are thorns in my side, when I am broken and sick.
[God:]
I’ll proclaim a voice heralding redemption and rescue
My lover—and I’ll return to Zion and appear there.
I’ll make him higher than all peoples and calm him down.
He’ll see My splendor, and the glory of My house of prayer.
I’ll remember My faithful kindness to him and redeem My estate!
Translated by Gabriel Wasserman.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.
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Speak, messenger, my greetings to my friend,
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whose wondrous gifts my heart will ever praise
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