Social Media Buzz: Verse on Domestic Violence spurs conversation
Kira Follett, a domestic abuse victim recently posted this poem on Facebook written by another victim Paulette Kelly.
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 the other times.
If I leave him, what will I do?
How will I take care of the 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 gathered enough courage
and the strength to leave him.
I would not have gotten flowers… today.
The simple and lucid, yet hard-hitting verse is being commented upon a number of users, all of whom feel that they can connect with the feelings described in the poem.
Kimberly McAlister Robertson says, "(This poem)Gave me chills, my cousin Sadie got flowers after her husband killed her in front of her three kids. It’s been almost 2 years and I miss her everyday."
Another reader, Angela Sinisi Mayes says, "What a powerful, sad and true poem. It actually brought me to tears too and reminded me why I need to have the strength and courage I am working so hard to have to stay away and to know that I can never go back. My life and my children deserve better."
The poem is posted on the discussion board for a group called Domestic Violence. Social netwroking sites like Facebook and Orkut, are a great way for people to connect. And whn we put it in the Domestic Violence context – it serves as a very empowering medium. Victims are often not given a chance to live normally – and the anonymity that the internet provides is a boon. These groups are rife with conversations and information on the issue.
Bell Bajao also strives to do the same. We’re opening up our ambit to the youth, because we realise that they’re as much part of the solution as anyone else is. So join the Bell Bajao cause on Facebook, Orkut and Twitter and start talking!
Tagged domestic violence
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vivekMay 14, 2009 at 1:07 am
this is a really touching poem.
Christina Lobo JhaMay 23, 2009 at 8:43 am
It hurts very much to read something like this. I’ve seen men insult their wives and then start kissing them and saying but sorry nah but i love you nah but you know nah I get angry only for a few seconds, but u know nah i dont mean it and bull shit like that. Damn right you dont know…whats in your heart comes out of your mouth. Why cant they think before opening their big mouths. This is just verbal abuse but I’m sure physical abuse is the same…beat and then say sorry beat and then give gifts….beat and kill then cry…pathetic