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Dear Ann Landers,
I recently saw this poem at work. The author is unknown, but apparently, she witnessed the death of her mother. I cried when I read it, not only because of the pain I felt but because so many women out there need a wakeup call. -- D.R. in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Dear D.R.,
Here it is. Poignant and powerful. Thank you for sending it on.
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.
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.
