In the quiet world,

Not knowing who I am,

Exploring my identity 

I stand, a vessel of color,   

not bound by the rigid lines drawn   

in a world that craves clarity.   

I am not a box,   

not a checklist to be ticked—   

I am in between the lines

People search for labels, male or female,   

but I am different, 

I am not just one,   

nor merely the other;   

I am the space between,   

the bridge,

In the marketplace of identities,   

Crafting forms of color,

There is more than just black and white,

There's a rainbow,

For in acceptance,  

a reminder that existence is more   

than boxes, and more beautiful   

than the confines of expectation. 

Let the rivers flow, unmarked,   

where I navigate the currents of identity,     

embracing each twist and turn   

as an affirmation of my truth.   

I stand, vibrant and vivid,   

swaying gently in the colors of life,   

a reminder that non-binary is not just a label,   

but a journey,   

and in this journey, I am alive,   

For every person reading this poem,

we are more than labels,   

We are unique in our own way,

we are all that we choose to be.

- Natalie Flaherty-Verrall

In my silent world there was unsaid thoughts,   

Was a name Natalie, when I was born

Beneath whispers of identity,   

A chrysalis awaiting its flight. 

Unfolding, I gather strength,   

Each day a step in progress,

I turn to male, in a unexpected journey 

Afraid to show my real name, I went by Brian

Yet a non-binary essence flows through me,   

I am non-binary, in a spectrum far and wide,   

A color both bright and muted,   

Each label a part, but never the whole,   

Navigating storms and sunny skies alike,   

I weared my name Brian like armor,   

For the longest time until I learned how to become stronger like a warrior no longer afraid to show my true self that I'm transgender and non-binary.

Natalie, a name both tender and fierce. 

I’m learning to love the echoes of my journey,   

The paths I take as I learn about myself, 

With the glow of acceptance,   

In every scar, a story unfolds—   

Of battles fought, of silent screams, being teased everyday

Of nights wrapped in tears unspoken.  

With each sunrise, I claim my identity,     

And as the world grows kinder, I am no longer afraid to show my real name 

I share my name, my truth,   

Natalie, 

Fires blazing in the wilderness of identity,   

For every shade of being is beautiful,   

Every voice worthy of being heard,   

In this symphony of humanity,   

I find my journey transforming

I walk the road of self-discovery,   

Open and unashamed,   

With Natalie not only as a name,   

But a testament to courage, to love,   

I am here

And in my truth, I am finally free.

- Natalie Flaherty-Verrall