Nature in black and white

By Connie Mertz

We stand by in total disarray as we witness over and over the devastation that has hit our country. Like many other Americans, I am numb. I am in a state of shock. Fear grips, but our daily schedules must continue in order to maintain continuity in our lives. I struggle with writing assignments. What usually takes me a few hours is now taking days. I have canceled an interview for it seems so callous to focus on the mundane while thousands of others are grieving.

Nature speaks at times such as this. Last night’s sky was peppered with illuminating stars with no air traffic. My husband and I stood on our deck and took solace while we desperately tried to digest the hard cold facts. It is three days after the terrorist attack as I write “River Talk” and still my thoughts are as scattered as seeds in a windstorm.

Today, the sky in central Pennsylvania is a pleasant blue. I just witnessed the eastern sun fingering its way through the maze of bright green leaves, its illuminating rays touching the woodland floor. Such beauty amid ashes only a few hundred miles away. It doesn’t seem fair that my day is sunny and bright while others are desperately trying to save lives, and victims are fighting for theirs in the aftermath of the terrorist attack.

Perhaps I should feel thankful for the blessings of nature I am experiencing, but the natural world appears only in black and white right now. There is little joy anywhere to be experienced. Yet, life goes on and I am trying, but my heart cries with all the families who are hurting beyond belief. I, like other Americans, live in hope that in the weeks and months to follow, our country will once again be able to live without fear.