Pink dogwood blossoms compared to the more common white.
My Mom introduced me to the legend of the dogwood tree when I was a child. It was one of the most poignant poems I’d ever read. It has stayed with me for lo these many years. The text of this great story is captured below:
The Legend of the Dogwood
In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
‘Twas strong & firm its 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 & 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.”
- Unknown
As I began writing I Know Why the Dogwoods Blush, I was of course trying to create a title that would infer mystery … suspense … a secret that readers would enjoy seeing unravel as they read. I needed something to link characters like the mysterious Jeremiah, the gentle Roman and the dedicated Dick. Readers are introduced to the legend of the dogwood tree in Chapter 2 during a conversation between a child and his father. In the course of this conversation, the child asks why some dogwood blossoms are pink. The father explains that the pink blossoms blush in shame over their complicity in the crucifixion of Christ. I have read this version at some point in my life but cannot find it now … perhaps that story only exists in my mind? In any event, this explanation comes to the fore several times as the story unfolds … a soldier’s heartfelt confession, the frantic plea of a fearful wife, the horrific vision of a concerned pastor … but is that the REAL reason some dogwoods ‘blush’? Ah, that’s part of the mystery readers will discover and solve as they navigate the pages of Dogwoods Blush. I hope you enjoy reading it even a fraction as much as I enjoyed writing it. May the dogwoods always blush for you … to light your path … and show you the way!
extremework friend, keep it up.|i’m bookmarking this blog & visiting once morefor updates.
I assure you, the best is yet to come!
Thanks! I can’t wait to read more of your stuff.
I would like to thank you for introducing me to the world and story of Jeremiah Bronson. A fast-paced story that took me on a cross country roller coaster ride of revenge, death and the supernatural, which kept me on the edge of my seat and finally brought tears to my eyes. I look forward to the next installment: Dove of War. Thank you again.
Thank YOU, Tisa. I am so happy that you enjoyed it. Knowing this story will make VOID much more meaningful to you as the tale goes along. And now you’ll be primed for “Dove of War” and will appreciate how all three tales are linked together in the same universe. Welcome to the world of those who truly know why the dogwoods blush!