Description:

After waking up to the NPR report of the first tower burning, I spent the morning in front of the TV, weeping with despair. Finally, I couldn't stomach anymore. I sought the comfort (as I usually do when I'm troubled) of my garden. Later, I sent the above e-mail to several close friends.

Date of e-mail: September 11, 2001

Subject line of e-mail: HORROR

Body of e-mail:

Dear Friends,

I cannot watch anymore televised horror.

I go outside to water flowers. It is a morning of unsurpassable beauty and serenity. The warm September sunshine sheds golden light on the front wall. The sky is Colorado blue, birds converse as though this is an ordinary day, a breeze stirs the big purple morning glories that embrace our mailbox. I look for the sweet little garter snake that lives in a cranny in the wall. It is a shy creature with lovely greeny-brown stripes and a long, scarlet tongue that snicks the air when it senses me nearby. I tilt the watering can and weep.

Love,
Jane