In Mint Condition...

He had known her for a while,
Crafted a sketch of some detail,
Based on her gait, eyes, smile,
As also notions of uncertain trail.

When of her he learned more,
He proudly confirmed many a guess,
Or shunned some from before,
Thrown why he'd not had success.

Once, during such a revision,
He had a twinge of sudden insight:
He'd been drawing an apparition,
That shone due to many a distant light. 

When he thought he saw her,
He would have done well to squint;
He saw metaphor after metaphor -
Time-worn coins from an ancient mint.