Judith Cofer's "The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica"

"The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica"
Ars: (latin) it is art to conceal art; true art conceals the means by which it is achieved (dictionary.com)
This poem explores the theme of connectivity through cultural heritage that latino immigrants experience. The deli serves as a place immigrants can go to feel at home by being surrounded with familiar foods and a familiar language, spoken Spanish. Its the only little chunk of cultural heritage these latino customers have in the U.S. That's why even though this deli may be more expensive than other options latinos still choose to go there. The deli owner faces the task of "conjuring up products from places that now exist only in their hearts" for her customers. This means she is the one that keeps their latino heritage and tradition alive; without her they would not have the comfort of eating latino food and hearing Spanish on a day to day basis. This poem clearly portrays the "multicultural" America we live in.