Keep the blade sharp,
But not too sharp.
Too much rust, and you'll
Snag the hair instead of cut it;
Too much edge and you'll
Shave the skin too raw.
You want to pretend
There was no foliage that needed
Scraping; you want to pretend
The flesh did not merit
Punishment. Two strokes down,
One up and done; any more
Suggests inexperience, any less
Suggests haste and you may be
Inexperienced but must not show it
And you may be hasty
But must slow it. Always clean
The razor. Soil yourself if you must,
But do not disrespect the razor.
Pay reverence to anything that would touch
Your throat.

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