When Christ was on earth,
the dogwood grew to a
towering size with 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,
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 the dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be
A reflection to all of my agony."