Shhh, again

When I  walk away you see my back. My walk is  slow and deliberate each step has a purpose.  I’m not running away I want you to see through flowers he gave me last night and how he kissed me and smiled and you thought how tender I heard you, oooh, Girl, you said, I smiled and tilted my head  like a little shy girl but my back was bruised and in pain. What you didn’t know was that we had planned this evening with our friends but before you came he kicked me repeatedly because I didn’t season the greens to his taste. He told me to clean myself up and don’t mention nor look like I was in pain, clean yourself up he repeated and never speak of this ever. Then he kicked me as hard as he could , I through up and he tossed a towel on the floor. 

He left and said he would be right . Thus the flowers. I went  to my side of the closet and got the body bandage and wrapped it around my back like before, washed my face applied the makeup again until it was flawless.

You did asked me why was I walking so straight, your mistake was you said it in front of him, I quickly replied “I had a hard workout,”every one knows I go to gym 5 times a week. 

What you didn’t know was I would pay for being noticed. Shhh, I’m tied up and all you saw were see the flowers.

Got Flowers Today I got flowers today. It wasn't my birthday or any other special day. We had our first argument last night. He said a lot of cruel things that really hurt me. I know he was sorry and didn't mean the things he said. Because I got 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. 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 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. This poem is dedicated to all the victims and survivors of Domestic Violence. You ask, why didn't she leave? I ask, why did he hit? Author: Paulette Kelly 

Measure of Abuse #MOA