[Question at the House] “Should we still weep in the fifth month, As we have done through seventy years?” The answer turned the question inward: “Whom did you serve with food and tears?” [Ancestral Echo] Judge true judgment, show compassion, Do not crush the poor or plan deceit. But fathers pulled away the shoulder, Stopped their ears and hardened heartbeat. [Lament Refrain] They would not hear when mercy called; Then no one heard when terror fell. The pleasant land became a wasteland, And scattered winds completed exile. [Turning Verse] Yet Zion's streets will fill with elders, Staff in hand beneath the sun. Boys and girls will play in safety, Every frightened season done. [Chorus] The fast shall be joy and gladness, The mourning month become a feast. Love the truth and live in justice; Let oppression finally cease. The fast shall be joy and gladness, Seed and vine will yield their part. God will save and make a blessing; Strengthen hands and steady heart. [Bridge: Nations] Ten from many tongues take hold Of one Judean garment's hem: “Let us go with you to seek him; We have heard that God is there with them.” [Final Chorus] The fast shall be joy and gladness, Not by hiding yesterday. Truthful courts and faithful neighbors Turn the grief toward a better day. The fast shall be joy and gladness, Jerusalem a city true. When the people learn to love what God loves, Fasting flowers into praise anew. [Coda] The question began with a calendar; The answer reached the heart.