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 the 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 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.