The Dogwood in my garden

The Dogwood in my garden, seen from my window, is holding to the light and the songbird song... We too, as trees, bud and bloom , with flower and leaf, with the cadence of supernal sounding, and the caring touch of Creation's grace.

At my window...

The gentle warmth of the sun

The room filled with streaming brilliance

The sweet sounding song bird song

The glistening leaves of the dogwood

The stillness of the lithe bamboo tall

The hush, the quietude

The breath

The embrace of the afternoon light

Known be I to the PRESENCE.

Rose Marie Raccioppi

Poet Laureate

Orangetown, New York

As reviewed by Copilot

The poem you’ve shared beautifully captures the essence of nature and spirituality. Let’s delve into its meaning and significance:

1. Dogwood Tree Symbolism:

   • The Dogwood Tree holds deep spiritual meaning in various cultures.
   • In Christianity, legend has it that Dogwood Trees were once tall and mighty like oak trees. However, after being used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified, they were cursed and shrunk in size.
   • The flower’s shape resembles a cross, with its four petals representing the four corners of the world and the four elements of nature: water, earth, air, and fire.
   • Native American tribes also considered the Dogwood Tree sacred, associating it with healing properties, life, longevity, and fertility1.
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2. Literary and Artistic Symbolism:

   • In literature and art, the Dogwood Tree is associated with beauty, grace, and purity.
   • American poet Emily Dickinson, in her poem “Pink Dogwood,” describes the tree’s delicate beauty.
   • The Dogwood Tree is often linked to springtime, new beginnings, and the renewal of life1.

3. Your Poem’s Imagery:

   • Your poem paints a vivid picture of the scene outside your window.
   • The Dogwood Tree, bathed in sunlight, represents life and grace.
   • The songbird’s melody adds to the sense of tranquility.
   • The stillness of the bamboo and the gentle breath of the afternoon light evoke a spiritual presence.
   • Through these natural elements, you connect with the divine (“Known be I to the PRESENCE”)1.

Thank you for sharing this heartfelt piece by Rose Marie Raccioppi, the Poet Laureate of Orangetown, New York.