The Inevitability of Death

7 “But there is hope for a tree:

If it is cut down, it will sprout again,

and its new shoots will not fail.

8  Although its roots may grow old in the ground

and its stump begins to die in the soil,

9  at the scent of water it will flourish

and put forth shoots like a new plant.

10  But man dies and is powerless;

he expires – and where is he?

11  As water disappears from the sea,

or a river drains away and dries up,

12  so man lies down and does not rise;

until the heavens are no more,

they will not awake

nor arise from their sleep.