SEPTEMBER 11: West Coast Writers Approach Ground Zero

Physical distance doesn't mean emotional or intellectual remove: in Seattle poet Meyers's anthology of diverse voices, 34 writers from the left coast weigh in on September 11 in poems, meditations, personal essays and polemics. Ken Kesey quotes heartfelt e-mails from his Web site, intrepidtrips.com; Alice Walker expresses her desire for "blessing and protection"; Jess Mowry (Way Past Cool) condemns U.S. policy ("I have met the enemy and he is U.S."); Lawrence Ferlinghetti muses how "in a blinding flash America became a part of/ the scorched earth of the world." New and vociferous patriots beware: many of the contributors share criticism as strong as their grief. (Sept.)