I Got Flowers Today

When we were going through the last purse that Eva had used before she became too ill to leave our house, this poem was tucked away in her wallet. It was reduced down in size small enough that she could laminate it in a size that would be easy to fit in a tiny space in a wallet. Jennifer, our daughter was married to a very violent person for seven years. Jennifer and Raymond’s Mom both did a good job keeping that from us, but we knew in our hearts what she must have been going through. That is a long story for another time. However, Eva would try to reach out to Jennifer and would give her notes or slip one into her purse or bag when she could. This poem Eva always kept a copy with her in her wallet.

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 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!
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 and scared to leave.
But I know 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 finally killed me.
He beat me to death.
If only I would have gathered enough courage and strength to leave him.
I would not have gotten flowers today.