Blushing Dogwood

lushing Dogwood
Legend of the Dogwood Tree 

When Christ was on earth, the Dogwood grew
To a towering six 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 blossoms 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.

unknown author

The pink dogwood is said to be blushing for shame because of the cruel purpose which it served in the crucification of Jesus Christ.