POETRY: 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;
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 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.

By Paulette Kelly

© Copyright 1992 Paulette Kelly
All Rights Reserved

Helplines: For information or help in domestic abuse situations Call the lines below:

NIGERIA

Federal Government of Nigeria Toll Free Number for Violation of Girls and Women
080072732255
CHELD Domestic Violence Helplines
0810 757 2829; 0813 164 3208
Project Alert – 234-1-8209387; 08052004698; 08180091072

SOUTH AFRICA

SA National Counselling Line on 0861 322 322.

POWA helpline on 083 765 1235 or visit www.powa.co.za.

GHANA

WISE Women’s Initiative for Self Empowerment

Tel: +233 21 781003
Hotline: +233 21 781002

For other countries in Africa: Click here