Place it in a food processor outfitted with the ‘S’ blade.

Pulse repeatedly to break down the bigger pieces.

Scrape down the sides

Then run at full speed

Watching the particles

Whiz by with blinding velocity.

Scrape down again

And run till it all becomes puree.

To be certain, it’s all still there:

All the bits and pieces and incidents

And screams and flying fists

And hurtful words

Swirling in the air.

It’s all still there,

Transformed into digestible form

Through the miracle of human ingenuity.

Toast a piece of bread.

Use the setting of your choice—

Light, dark, or a happy medium.

Remove it from the toaster and let it cool.

Be sure not to let the bottom side get soggy on the plate:

Nobody likes that.

Spread some puree on the toast—

As much as your system can handle.

Find a comfortable place to sit.

Have a glass of water handy.

Take a bite.

It’s okay to savor the bitterness

As long as you also enjoy the crunch of the toast

And take a moment to relish the work you’ve done.

Once you’ve finished your toast

Take a deep breath.

Store the remainder of the puree

In the compost pile.

Let the portion you’ve eaten move quietly through your system.

Reassure yourself: “This too shall pass.”

And acknowledge: “It’s never really this easy.”