"Face to Face at Gate 49"

The arrival is unexpected,
 "Do I know you?"
 Reflections 
sometimes lie,
Raw exposure
is much more 
than courageous.
A lifetime of memories
buried under appearances
does not stay
hidden.
 --Will she survive?
Then what
is a Woman?
Elemental essence,
Undisguised
and without shame,
Gracious,
Invulnerable,
Love.
Stepping through
the shadows
releases her.
Femininity
is redefined
by one motion
of willingness,
Ancient standards
live and breathe
throughout
the galaxies --
Beauty returns,
and is
on time.