I Got Flowers Today

Dedicated to all battered women

By Paulette Kelly

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!

It wasn’t Valentine’s Day or any other special day.

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

I couldn’t go to work 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 the other times.

If I leave him now, 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 woman’s shelter could have helped me, but I didn’t ask for their help.

So I got flowers today...for the last time.