Flowers

**Dedicated to those who lose their lives to spousal abuse.

You married young, a girl of nineteen.
Prettiest bride they ever had seen.
You had no idea what would come of your life.
The day that you became his devoted wife.

The day I was born he brought you flowers.
You said that night you held me for hours.
Thinking what a blessing I was from above
You finally had a chance to know true love.

I remember when I was a girl of seven
I asked you what in the world is heaven?
You said that it was my laughter and smile.
When you became a mother to your only child.

A daughter, a husband, they said you had it all.
Had no idea what happened behind those walls.
You had scars and bruises from Dad's violent rage
Yet you couldn't escape like a bird trapped in a cage.

You said that Dad had the power to be good.
Said he would change and you believed he could.
Yet he wasted money like he didn't need a dollar
Came home with lipstick all around his collar.

People probably talked behind your back.
Being as mean as his vicious attacks.
Did they know what it was like to be scared
Every night coming home wondering what would be there?

Even through the fear you honored your vows
To stand beside him as long as life allows.
I wish that you had been strong enough to leave.
It would have saved me the pain of this grief.

Some people say destiny is something we choose.
But I believe in my heart your choice was not abuse.
He had no right to hit you with those hands.
You stayed for reasons I still don't understand.

Neighbors heard the slaps and the crying.
No one would help us, no one was even trying.
He pushed you down those stairs from the top to the bottom.
That was the day that I lost my best friend, my mom.

It hurts to see your name carved in stone.
Knowing when I go home, I'll still be alone.
Miss my best friend, my confidant, my mother.
Wish could have a second chance, but you can't have another.

So today I brought you flowers.
I'll probably hang around for hours.
Sit here on this burial ground
Wishing you were still around.

What I would give hear you sing.
Or talk all night about everything.
How the memories dance in my head
As I remember the last words you said.

"You're the greatest blessing my life has had.
You made me smile when I was so sad.
I'll be your angel in these lonely hours.
And when I die bring me flowers."

Hope that these flowers lift your spirit.
And when I talk to you that you can hear it.
I miss you Mom, but I brought you flowers.
Dad took you away, but the love is still ours.