"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 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.

-- http://www.aspiring-community.com/abuse.html

Hey Lady...

I wrote you a letter, did you see It said, "I love you, do you love me"? Would you love me just a little today? We don't get much food on our table "Cause my Dad don't work, he ain't able" Hey Lady, I sure am hungry today I didn't get much sleep last night. Cause Mom & Dad, well--they had a fight. Hey Lady, would you smile at me today? My Dad got drunk and so did my Mother. Then my Dad beat me and my little brother. Hey Lady would you say hi to me today? My face is dirty and my hair ain't combed. Cause Mom was asleep when I left home. Hey Lady, would you hug me today? The other kids made fun of me My clothes is dirty and I got a hole in my knee. Hey Lady, would you be my friend today? Well, Mom and Dad-- they always yell. My life at home is a living Hell Hey Lady, please love me today. Hey Lady, won't somebody LOVE me today.

-- Author Unknown

"Dear Mr. Jesus"

Dear Mr. Jesus,

I just had to write to you Something really scared me, when I saw it on the news A story 'bout a little girl beaten black and blue Jesus, thought I'd take this right to you Dear Mr. Jesus, I don't understand Why they took her mom and dad away I know that they don't mean to hit with wild and angry hands Tell them just how big they are I pray Please don't let them hurt your children We need love and shelter from the storm Please don't let them hurt your children Won't you keep us safe and warm Dear Mr. Jesus, they say that she may die Oh I hope the doctors stop the pain I know that you could save her and take her up to the sky So she would never have to hurt again Please don't let them hurt your children... Dear Mr. Jesus, please tell me what to do And please don't tell my daddy But my mommy hits me, too. Please don't let them hurt your children...

-- Author Unknown

Teddy

Teddy, I've been bad again, My Mommy told me so; I'm not quite sure what I did wrong, But I thought that you might know.

When I woke up this morning, I knew that she was mad; Cause she was crying awful hard, And yelling at my dad.

I tried my best to be real good, And do just what she said; I cleaned my room all by myself, I even made my bed.

But I spilled milk on my good shirt, When she yelled at me to hurry; And I guess she didn't hear me, When I told her I was sorry.

Cause she hit me awful hard, you see, And called me funny names; And told me I was really bad, And I should be ashamed!

When I said, "I love you, Mommy," I guess she didn't understand; Cause she yelled at me to shut my mouth. Or I'd get smacked again.

So I came up here to talk to you, Please tell me what to do; Cause I really love my Mommy, And I know she loves me, too.

And I don't think my Mommy means, To hit me quite so hard; I guess sometimes, grown ups forget. How really big they are!

So Teddy, I wish you were real, And you weren't just a bear; Then you could help me find a way. To tell Mommies every where.

To please try hard to understand. How sad it makes us feel; Cause the outside pain soon goes a way, But the inside never heals!

And if we could make them listen, Maybe then they'd understand; So other children just like me, Wouldn't have to hurt again.

But for now, I guess I'll hold you tight, And pretend the pain's not there; I know you'd never hurt me, So Goodnight, Teddy Bear!

Basement Shells
by Michelle A. Bartley

Black doors of grief, Hide halls of pain, Where children heave, No one to blame, And shadows formed, From day's gone by, Obscure the real reasons why.

Where those who were, Sent to protect, Speak languages, In retrospect, And brush away, The pestering voice, Which takes away the gift of choice.

Shackled to a present, set, Embroiled in the past, In cellar rooms abstract of light, Where hope is seldom cast, Much to afraid, To step outside, With secrets buried under pride.

What price we pay, For things we've done, When elders block, The glowing sun, Where basements then, Become our shell, To keep us trapped so close to hell.

Stairs now guarded, By demon wards, Choke out the light, Of golden cords, And guilt becomes, Ones only friend, And nothings left here to defend.

Who is to blame? Who's left to care? When youth if left, Deserted there, And not a soul, Attempt to try, To dry the ravaged tears we cry.

And left there trembling, Within the maze, Forgiveness fades, Within the haze, And stunted children, Seldom find, The key that has been left behind.

-- Author Unknown

"Nonviolence leads to the highest ethics, which is the goal of all evolution. Until we stop harming all other living beings, we are still savages."

-- Thomas Edison