I transplanted a small cactus I’ve been growing for five years. I had to wear gloves to move it to a larger pot to protect myself and to protect the body of the cactus. I could only find latex, so I used two on my right hand. I used a small shovel to loosen the old soil. For a few brief moments, it’s healthy root structure was exposed. I moved quickly to establish a foundation of fresh soil in the new, medium-sized pot. I made sure it had support for this transition as well it’s next stage of life. I watered it as it stood firmly in the new soil appearing to notice the change. Water drained from the bottom of the pot and snaked on the dry concrete. When the runoff reach my uncovered left hand, I paused and noticed bits of soil washing off. The water was warm and alive.

It was simple but the small scale severity weighed on me. It will do well now.