ז Zayin

7 Her dignitaries were brighter than snow,

whiter than milk;

their bodiesA were more ruddy than coral,

their appearance like lapis lazuli.

ח Cheth

8 Now they appear darker than soot;c

they are not recognized in the streets.

Their skin has shriveled on their bones;

it has become dry like wood.

ט Teth

9 Those slain by the sword are better off

than those slain by hunger,

who waste away, pierced with pain

because the fields lack produce.

י Yod

10 The hands of compassionate women

have cooked their own children;d

they became their food

during the destruction of my dear people.e

כ Kaph

11 The Lord has exhausted his wrath,

poured out his burning anger;

he has ignited a fire in Zion,

and it has consumed her foundations.f

ל Lamed

12 The kings of the earth

and all the world’s inhabitants did not believe

that an enemy or adversary

could enter Jerusalem’s gates.g