Sanctuary Knoll

The bottom was green,
but it existed far below,
blemished by the distance.

Steep contours existed,
curving down towards that ground,
a serene sanctuary for something mysterious:
prolific observation suggested black smoke
rising steadily from an area of grey,
a blade's hilt protruding from it.

Something imprisoned hid below,
a dark force so powerful,
it released a visible aura of shadow;
in stoicism the seal held,
omitting no complaints.

Perhaps that holy nature was in fact profane,
as if at the knoll's foot lay
an unjustified prison.

A fogged view concealed the bottom,
the lushness a level sea, obscuring the ground's purpose,
something out of sight.