The Pride Poetry Speak Easy was held on Wednesday at the Leys Institute Library to celebrate and share queer and gender diverse themed poetry. 76 year old rights advocate, Diane Sparkes presented her second-ever poem to an audience of around 40 people and shares it here with us. Diane Sparkes reading her poetry. Photo credit: Andrew My Life – a passage of 60 + years in Time Starting as the boy I was told I was. To the woman I always knew I should have been And are now! TRUTH TIME All confused Silence I am not real Yet I must grow A freak I think What do I know? Nothing! Time goes by -- the older I get Nothing changes; In my mind Still a freak. Everyone says, I am a boy, They must be right Still confused -- in my mind I think; I am not Who should know; them, or me. I don’t count, I have no voice They think they know; They are wrong I am, a girl, I know -- Inside! Who do I tell? No one will listen They will think I am mad Time is not yet right A lonely life -- Fear: Of being found out Of secrecy and silence; the only choice Or, to take my life, to die One way out for sure! Why should I die? This life I did not choose. I know who I am. People must understand But how While I keep silent. Transparency It starts with me! Some will respond, even learn But, some will react Still the fear; in my mind Discrimination, violence, maybe death Wow, is that for real! Sadly true; even death Just for being you And who are you? I am a woman: Now --- Now is the time Fear must go Truth must out Truth and Transition takes Time Time, – To be the real me! Diane Sparkes - 20th February 2017