Happy Easter

Happy Easter!  The pink dogwood tree in my front yard is in full bloom today.  It's absolutely beautiful.  This tree was planted by the original owners of my house, Mr. and Mrs. Waddy, back in the 1940's, and I look very forward each year to its blooms.  Old stories link the Dogwood to Jesus' crucifixion, since the tree's flower petals are cross shaped with pierced rust colored tips, and has  a thorny crown in the center of the bloom. 
I'm sharing my tree at the Pink Saturday linky party, hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. Do stop in over there!

 

The Legend of the Dogwood
(author unknown)
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 this use of their wood
Christ made a promise
which still holds good:
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.
Slender and twisted it shall be
with blossoms like the cross for all to see.
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
the blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.
All who see it will remember Me
crucified on a cross
from the dogwood tree.
Cherished and protected,
this tree shall be.
A reminder to all of my agony.”