HE SENT ME 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 started to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare.
I couldn't believe 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.

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 children?
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 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.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, the authority to use weapons and restrain people is granted to police officers, but not to the general public. The authority to imprison people is granted to judges, but not to individual citizens. Authority to physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually or mentally abuse another human being has never been granted nor will it ever be.

Domestic violence must never be tolerated therefore we must put forth an authoritative effort in order to stop domestic violence today! You never know who's going through it until it's too late.

Sister Paulette Kelly, thank you for such a wake up calling and deeply touching poem