The Legend of The Dogwood Tree

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 such a tree.

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.

-Anonymous