WUNRN
Adaptation for Pakistan of Poem
“I Got Flowers Today” - By Paulette Kelly
Read at WUNRN-SHADO Conference
Sialkot, Punjab,
Pakistan
I GOT FLOWERS TODAY
Poem on Domestic Violence & Femicide
Pakistan Adaptation
I got flowers today.
It wasn’t my birthday. And he said a lot of
cruel things that really hurt.
I know he must be sorry
Because he gave me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
My mother-in-law tried to take them.
She says I am useless and deserve to be hurt.
But, he did give me flowers today.
I got flowers today.
The food I cooked did not please him.
He threw me against the wall and tried to choke me.
It seemed like a nightmare, but it was real.
I got flowers today.
My mother says it is my duty to serve him.
Long sleeves and a veil don’t hide the cuts
and bruises this time.
But he gave me pretty flowers.
I got flowers today.
Last night he beat me worse than other times.
I cannot take the children and leave him.
I have no place to go, no money, just shame.
But he did give me nice flowers.
I got flowers today.
Today was a very special day.
It was the day of my funeral.
Last night he killed me – with kerosene and flames.
If only I had asked a women’s program for help.
So, I got flowers today.
For the last time!
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