Day 16: My 30 Day Poetry Journey

Day 16- I will respond to the poem I posted on Day 15 with another random poem.

This is a good poem to keep in mind for anyone you might even "think" is suffering from domestic violence!

I Got Flowers Today- Paulette Kelly

(Dedicated to 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 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.