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Today I buried a lizard. Due to the carelessness of another human being, two innocent animals died today. They were stuck, bodies twisted this way and that as they tried to rip themselves free from the trap. I don't know how long they were stuck for. I came home to find them outside. One was dead when I got there, the other was only breathing and blinking.

It took me 20 minutes to free you, my friend. I took your little body out of the trap and placed you on the ground, back to the dirt where I saw you running the day before. I pet your back, watched you close your eyes, and left you there for 10 minutes until your breathing stopped and your eyes stopped opening. I didn't know you before today, but I cried when I gave you a grave. I didn't think to give the same trouble to take out the other lizard that was already dead from the trap. I wonder if you were sad to be buried alone. I pet you one last time before I placed you into the hole I dug for you and apologized repeatedly. I will tell you again: I'm sorry. You died needlessly, my little friend. The only crime you ever committed was the act of living and being so small and unaware of the danger of living near my home. I'm happy I was able to hold you while you were still alive so I could hold you and tell you I was sorry. I'm sorry I couldn't help you. I was only there for the last few minutes of your life, but I hope that you felt my care. There are tears over your grave now. You were mourned by someone, even if it was only for a day. Someday, new life will grow from your place in the dirt. Your life will continue as you live on through the grass and weeds that will someday take over the patch of dirt where you lay. Thank you for trusting me with your final moments, little friend. I hope you are at peace now.