What is Revealed in an Unguarded Moment Observed by a Friend

Inspired by a photo of Frida Kahlo, Untitled, taken by her friend, Mexican photographer Lola Alvarez Bravo that shows Kahlo looking into a mirror You often try to tell us who you are, dear Frida. You’ve painted yourself often, staring out at us, daring us to find your inner self in your face, your fierce gaze, as you attempt to share your thoughts with your paintbrush on the underlying meaning of objects of events. Here, now, I, your friend see you, watching when you do not realize I am witness to your mirror gazing. You approached the wall mirror, not with the daring hubris of narcissus nor with the pride of the oh-so-lovely. Instead, you seem to search its shiny surface, looking not for what your the mirror shows about your face, what it will reveal to others about you; rather, you are seeking. peering with longing at the face shown on its shiney surface to discover your own inner self within your own fierce gaze, to settle your own inner doubts about who you are. Now, my friend, I know and understand your secret-- like so many of us, in spite of all the gifts the world sees, you are not sure who you are.