The Latin Deli: An Ars Poetica Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. What is the effect of the word "exiles" in this poem?
  2. Why do you think the poem refers to the customers' hearts as "closed ports"? How does that metaphor impact your understanding of the poem?
  3. What role does religion play in this poem?
  4. What is the effect of the poem's inclusion of both Spanish and English words together?
  5. How does the poem's form (free verse) affect the way you read it?