The legend of the Dogwood

The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown.

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue.
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ's cross, its timbers were chosen

Being distressed, at the use of this wood
Christ made a promise, which still holds good:

"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see.

The petals shall have bloodstains, marked in brown
And in the blossom's center, a thorny crown.

All who see it, will think of Me,
Nailed to a cross, from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished, this tree shall be
A reflection to all, of my agony."