Bukowski on the Project

there is always that space there
just before they get to us
that space
that fine relaxer
the breather
while say
flopping on a bed
thinking of nothing
or say
pouring a glass of water from the
spigot
while entranced by
nothing

that gentle pure space
it's worth
centuries of existence
say
just to scratch your neck
while looking out the window at
a bare branch

that space
there
before they get to us
ensures
that
when they get to us
when they do
they won't get it at all
ever.