The Legend of the Dogwood

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew,
To a stately size and a lovely hue.

'Twas strong and firm, it's branches interwoven.
For the cross of Christ, its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at the use of this wood,
Christ made a promise which still holds good.

Never again shall the dogwood grow,
To be a large tree, to be used as so.

Slender and twisted, it shall always be,
With cross shaped blossoms for all who will see.

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

All who see it will remember Me.
Nailed to the cross from the dogwood tree.