POEMS

  • 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 started to choke me.


    It seemed like a nightmare.

    I couldn't believe that it was real.

    I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over.

    I know he must be sorry.

    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 unreal, a nightmare, but you wake up from nightmares;

    And I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over—but I know he is sorry;

    Because he sent me flowers today.



    I got flowers today!

    And it wasn’t Valentines 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 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 special day—it was the day of my funeral;

    Last night he killed me;

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

    I could have received help from the Women’s Shelter, but I didn’t ask for their help;

    So I got flowers today—for the last time.