Poem - Domestic Violence

Please time how long (in seconds) it takes to read this poem.
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 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 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.

I got flowers today,
and it wasn't Mother's Day or any other special day.
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 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 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.

By Paulette Kelly

© Copyright 1992 Paulette Kelly
All Rights Reserved

How long did it take you to read the poem?

Please divide the number of seconds it took you to read the poem by 15, then round it up to the next whole number.

Your answer represents the number of women that were abused during the time it took you to read this poem—and—one did not survive.

Help us eradicate the heinous crime of Domestic Violence. Your actions could be the difference that makes the difference.

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