The gardener once knelt down to rub two sticks together , he watched the flames crackle , and warmed his hands against its embers. glow , . More wood would be needed to burn this dead brach vine , That never bore its name. thick black smoke enough to choke a man bellowed. from its. being , A vine pruned only to leave a stone cold sodden heart . So thick the smoke it brought a tear Unto my very eye , So black my sin a sickle or reaper could not save , this fickle branch from its flame. For what is dead is not for the harvest and must be cast into the fire , And what is worth keeping pruned back for a flower to reign . For what is a man who has no peace , Or joy in sorrow , Or patience with his friends . ? If love cometh from Friendship and in that love there is no Sorrow or pain . Or trust , or even faith to light the way . A couple held hands in Church , Not bothered by the flame that burns deep , Pruning their lives so sin can't cast its. Stain . And can it be then , That I. a sinner trust , In a gardener that prunes and tears all My dead branches down to dust , Thrown into a flame That , On a hill , On a cross , This flower might bud , and it's. beauty forever remain .