I Got Flowers Today

I found a poem on a blog today (and am reposting with copyright information) reminding me why I am raising funds for Project: Makeover http://www.crowdrise.com/adoptaroom/fundraiser/partyofpurpose
Join POP in raising $5000 to renovate a room at a domestic violence shelter tht houses women and families fleeing an abuser and hoping to stay alive and move on with their lives. Thank you.

I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
by Paulette Kelly

Dedicated to all battered women.


I got flowers today!

It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day;

We had our first argument last night; And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt;

I know that he is sorry and didn’t mean to say the things he said;

Because he sent me flowers today.



I got flowers today!

It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day;

Last night he threw me into a wall and then started choking me;

It seemed like a nightmare, but you wake up from nightmares to find they aren’t real.



I got flowers today!

And it wasn’t Valentine’s Day or any other special day;

Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me;

Make-up and long-sleeves didn’t hide the cuts and bruises this time;

I couldn’t go to work today because I didn’t want anyone to know-but I know he’s sorry;

Because he sent me flowers today.



I got flowers today!

And it wasn’t Mother’s Day or any other special day;

Last night he beat me again, and it was much worse than all of the other times;

If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of the kids? What about money?

I’m afraid of him, but I’m too scared and dependent to leave him! But he must be sorry;

Because he sent me flowers today.



I got flowers today…Today was a very special day—it was the day of my funeral;

Last night he finally killed me—I was beaten to death;

If only I would have gathered the courage and strength to leave him;

The women’s shelter could have helped me, but I didn’t ask for their help;

So I got flowers today…for the last time.



Copyright 1992 c by Paulette Kelly