I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
IT WASN'T MY BIRTHDAY OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL DAY,
LAST NIGHT WE HAD A FIGHT AND HE HIT ME
BUT I KNOW HE'S SORRY
BECAUSE I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
IT WASN'T OUR ANNIVERSARY OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL DAY
LAST NIGHT HE THREW ME AGAINST THE WALL AND CHOKED ME
BUT I KNOW HE'S SORRY
BECAUSE I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
IT WASN'T MOTHERS DAY OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL DAY
I WAS SO SWOLLEN AND BRUISED I WAS ASHAMED TO ANSWER THE DOOR
BUT I KNOW HE'S SORRY
BECAUSE I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

IF I LEAVE HIM WHERE WILL I GO?
WHAT ABOUT MONEY? WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?
IT'S GETTING WORSE EVERYTIME BUT I'M AFRAID TO LEAVE
BUT I KNOW HE'S SORRY
BECAUSE I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS FILED BY TO SEE ME
ASKING WHY I NEVER LEFT HIM
IF I ONLY HAD THE STRENGTH AND COURAGE, BUT I DIDN'T

SO I GOT FLOWERS TODAY

Written by Crystal Haas Bauer

This poem was written by my daughter a few years ago who is a survivor of domestic violence. She wrote this poem for the many women who didn't survive their abuser. She had asked me to a painting depicting the shame, and fear that is so often hidden . I too suffered from the hands of my first husband but nothing like most have. I was hoping to Do justice to their plight. I'm not sure if I succeeded in this or not, I would appreciate your comments to let me know if I succeeded

I used silver for the roses instead of red to depict the silver lining in the beginning of all violent relationships