I Am Anaya Poet Ekphrasis

Notes About The Poem

1478 Poetry Contest
Sponsor Brian Strand
8th Place

Frida Kahlo’s Self-Portrait on the Borderline Between Mexico and the United States (1932)

Borders Breadth the Primrose

She personifies the rift between town
 and gown in the city, 
pageant pretty, in pale pinks pellet, 
lace sleeved adorned,
like a primrose she stands prominent 

a gringo cigarette in one hand
 Mexico’s flag in the other,
her country ‘tis of thee
like the contrafactum
of an earlier English anthem
 God Save the King, 
American democracy

she paints her de facto
 her homeland in turmoil,
under an anthropomorphized sun 
lest the moon’s clash in her own sky
Olmec ruins, laid foundation
stone heads, deep-rooted cacti

leaving behind the natural nation
 she’ll advance athwart
contra the cold chicken coop
industrialization’s smokestacks,
the iconic River Rouge Plant
ugliness versus beauty
 a glossy façade?

homesick for her pagan past

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Paige Hind June 9, 2026 at 9:20 PM This shows the life of American Latinos, seems to me. Great work, Anaya!! :) <3 You had so much to say, but it wasn't drawn out.... I Am Anaya June 14, 2026 at 7:00 AM Ty, Paige!

Kim Rodrigues June 7, 2026 at 2:23 PM You catch all the details, not seen at first glance! Congrats! I Am Anaya June 7, 2026 at 3:48 PM Ah yes, much detail to catch, hah. Thank you, Kim & congrats on lovely win! 'D

Sotto Poet June 5, 2026 at 3:19 AM Anaya, your poem is expertly written, employing numerous techniques to paint a vivid picture and convey a deep, meaningful subject. The work is made stronger by the use of symbolism, imagery, and personification. The main character's unique and introspective hand on a gringo cigarette and the Mexican flag is really striking. I Am Anaya June 5, 2026 at 3:59 PM The Ekphrasis is an opportunity to learn how to use these techniques & dive into the artists soul through their paintings. It's my favorite form. Ty, dear Sotto!

Andrea Dietrich June 5, 2026 at 12:21 AM This is so interesting. That artist was very interesting too. I loved the movie I saw on her life. She lived her life in so much pain. I never saw this particular painting of hers. Thanks for showing it Andrea Dietrich June 7, 2026 at 6:13 PM Was the handrail incident same as the bus crash ? It's so weird how some people get stuck with horrible things in life I Am Anaya June 5, 2026 at 3:52 PM A good movie! I recommend it. The pain! At 18, a steel handrail pierced Kahlo’s pelvis and exited through her abdomen, as she later described, “the way a sword pierces a bull” TY!

CayCay Godwin June 4, 2026 at 7:16 PM I like that the last line picks up the p alliteration from first verse, and I truly enjoyed the entire telling, could read it more than once and stare at the pic for more than one second, too. Both offer much and deserve time. I Am Anaya June 4, 2026 at 7:36 PM CayCay, it was a good research. She went to Detroit with Diego, & disliked the differences in our society & theirs, that really is an American cig. She is soo symbolic in her paintworks! Ty, for taking time to read. Blessings