nothing new

There is something new to be learned
in the way of life and routine and time spent
and black clothing worn

but the word

new

seems misplaced and awkward here.

it is better used for beginnings
of journeys and lives and hope

how can this be new

this emptiness
devoid of clocks and mirrors
and the movement of time

there is nothing new here

only eyes that sting
redenned and rubbed raw
and blood spattered walls

and a lingering anger

at the impotence

of grief

because we say, we will not forget
and that this time, this time will be different

but that

is nothing

new