Take a Shave

I haven't shaved for four or five days - not uncommon for me. It's pretty rare for me to be clean shaven, unless an acting job requires it. These days I'm writing most of the time, anyway and I'm free to look as shlubby as I'd like. While walking the dog this morning, I passed Abe, who was on his stoop, reading the paper. We talked for a couple of minutes and he asked me to sit down. I said, "I can't. I have to get to work." He said, "And take a shave?" I said, "No, just get to work." He said, "And take a shave?" "No," I repeated. "No shave. Just go right to work." He took a beat and said, "America is a good country."