As the death of the spouse
on the day of marriage,
so grievous was my soul
on the day it betrayed the Lord.

As miserable as the mother of the first-born
who perishes as soon as he comes out of her womb,
so mournful was my spirit
as it awoke from its oblivion.

As a man discovering the ruins
of a wrecked town,
so was I discovering
the state of my soul.

Deluded as my eyes were,
believing the debris was green grass,
deceit harshly welcomed me
as the image of reality became clearer
with every step into my own town.

As I lament over this tragedy of mine,
and make my cries sound in loud weeping,
even louder do I hear a voice,
a voice that is louder, yet softer

'Ephraim, how could I part with you?
Israel,...