The clock reads 5:51

Not a customer in sight

Everything for closing done

Almost out of work for the night

No cars driving by

No phone calls to be heard

The deli slicer so clean

It was almost absurd

Then a customer walks in

I think nothing of it

He asks for some sliced meats

And I want to tell him to shove it

What can I get for you?

I ask insincere

The deli is dark

It’s closed, and that’s clear

Half of a pound of turkey

And a half of a pound of smoked ham

I should’ve just said the deli was closed

Because now I’m in a jam

And a half of a pound of cheddar

He added at last

Oh great, it gets better

I thought to myself with sass

Add a half of a pound roast beef too

He states

Will he ever stop talking?

At this point it’s 5:58

I slice everything

Ready for him to leave and go home

But then he looks at me

And asks for one pound of provolone