Oh Magnum Mysterium

oh magnum mysterium

that stars wheel and glimmer
in the deep dark
that finches sing arias at dawn
ecstatic in praise

oh magnum mysterium

that sunflowers follow the sun
as a lover follows the beloved
that snowy egrets rise on wings
and oh glorify you with majestic flight

oh magnum mysterium

that roses weep in dawn's dew
and carry thorns, sharp in their beauty
their fragrance rises like prayers
and petals fall like obeisance

oh magnum mysterium

that light bends to earth all a-color
and astounds the blind heart
that moon peers round the equator
and comforts the dark

oh magnum mysterium

of a head crowned with thorns
of mountains dazzled in snow
of time unending with you, that promise
that forgiveness
of mercy
of mercy

oh magnum mysterium

oh magnum mysterium

of hearts that burn and do not die
of children sitting, come unto me
forbid them not
of gentle dancing and holy hands

oh magnum mysterium

that sunlight crashes on clouds
and shatters in colors
that cascade upon my heart and
tears like rain fall and fall and fall
in joy oh in joy

oh magnum mysterium

oh magnum mysterium!