Legato Religioso Poem by Ahmad Shiddiqi

(dedicated to L'Orchestre symphonique de Montréal)

the shining white sun
the cool Spring air
the deep blue sky
the warm ocean

all good things
come from You
guide me always
to be thankful to You

Your promises are sure
so Your power and love
flowing with a stream
I will be like a river

Your guidance is clear and silver
that always bears delicious fruit
shelter for wanderers
I will be like a tree

than anything else in world
O God, Your love is better
help to bring happiness
to those You truly love

today is a new beginning
O God, support me to start
because You have forgiven me
Your love is around my true heart

the stars sing
'God is magnificent! '
the sky says
'God is wonderful! '

God's blessings overflow
sun rises every morning
blazing with power
green meadows

yellow moon at night
millions of stars in sky
O God, how majestic
is your name over all earth!

clouds piled up
higher than hills
Your glory is seen
everywhere on earth

let mountains speak
let seas sing for joy
a light has shined
joy fills our hearts

lightning flashes across sky
'How mighty is our God! '
God is King over all earth
'Give thanks to God! '

(inspired by A. J. Casson's White Pine)