on the closure of a certain deli by the NM Environmental Department

the smell this summer
first wafting lazy by the slicer
it meandered by the fridge
near the bottom, we scoured
in vents and shelves and shafts and crevices.

the search was inconclusive.

the tuna packet was damaged
no one checks the orders
it was in a box
what's in the box?

maggots.