Lamentations

To lament is to cry, to mourn, to regret.

Lamentations is the cry of Israel and Judah after the prophesies of Jeremiah come true.  It is the cry of horror over all that has happened. It is regret over listening to false prophets.  It is recognition that God is doing exactly what he said he would do if the people did not repent.  It is filled with sadness and tears.

About halfway through Lamentations, there there is a brief respite as the lament turns hopeful - God does remember them. Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail...the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him...The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him...  

The hopefulness is quickly forgotten as the lament turns back to pleading, crying and regrets; finally concluding with a question.  Why do you forget us?  Why do you forsake us for so long? 

Ending with a final plea for forgiveness (and a bit of fearfulness) we read:  Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old unless you have utterly rejected us and are angry with us beyond measure.   

Fortunately for us all, God forgives us...as we should also forgive others.