Natalie by Liz Hyman

Something not many people know,

before there was Elizabeth,

but after there was Gabriel,

There was Natalie.

Natalie was the blueprint,

The test drive,

The very first name I’d given myself.

Natalie’s voice was low,

But she could always get her point across.

She died three weeks after she was born,

And was replaced by the Elizabeth we know,

But I never thanked Natalie.

I never told her I appreciate her sacrifice.

For being my first life vest in the sea of dysphoria.

I am grateful.