I GOT FLOWERS TODAY!

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 me.
I know he is sorry and didn’t mean 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 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 up again, and it was much worse than all the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of my 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;
He beat me to death.
If only I had gathered enough courage and strength to leave him,
I would not have gotten flowers…today.
By Paulette Kelly
© Copyright 1992 Paulette Kelly
Couldn't decide what to write to go with the blip today but remembered reading this somewhere a few weeks back, found it quite powerful.