I have images of Frida all around my house

She appears on my cushions and on my cups

And is instantly recognisable

Which is not a bad thing at all

But in my bedroom I have a painting on the wall

By Artemisia Gentileschi

In which she portrays herself

This work is totally ignored by my guests

As are the self portraits by Sofonisba Anguissola

That hang above my stairs

I could go on as I have books about

Elisabeth Vigee and Helene Scherfbeck on my shelves

But I am the only one that reads them

Which is rather sad as these women were incredibly talented

I could go into town and shop for Frida merchandise

But I would be wasting my time if I searched out

Artemisia or Sofonisba Anguissola

Are we overexposing Frida

Does she deserve to be printed on cushion covers

Should she dangle from overpriced keyrings

Are we more in love with the image rather than the person

I am guilty as the rest of us as I enjoy her dark eyes

Following me around the room from the comfort of my plush settee

There are answers but I am not going to supply one

That is cheating as you need to come to your own conclusions and not share mine

Whilst I have been writing this forgettable essay I have been watching

My wife asleep on our bed under the mimosa window

She is wearing a Frida tee shirt

Which shows the artist with a small monkey

It is the only garment she is wearing as the day is hot

The tee shirt belongs to me which is of no matter

As it suits my beautiful wife more than me