Poem: "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 its 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.”