Stephen Mitchell

Turn toward me; touch my spirit;

stay beside me, until

the moment when I must step out

into your final darkness

For my days fly away like smoke,

and my bones burn down to ashes.

Sorrow gives me no respite;

anguish crushes my heart.

I am like an owl in the wilderness,

like a hawk in the desert places.

All night I lie awake,

like a sparrow upon a rooftop.

My food has all turned to ashes;

tears are my only drink.

My life is a lengthening shadow,

and my days wither like grass