a meditation on shaving

i have resolved to quit shaving
because it is no fun,
and i look ridiculous afterward,
and because it often hurts.

now i have whiskers
maybe a quarter inch long
in a haphazard design
over most of my face.

i feel better having forgone shaving,
though the whiskers sometimes itch,
and sometimes tickle others,
and sometimes collect food and stuff.

but i feel better
even if i still look ridiculous,
because now at least i can blame
the hair for the mess in the mirror.