The World Has Changed from When I Last Was Here

<p>Loss. Uncertainty. Anxiety. Depression. Rage. Hope.</p><p><br></p><p>These poems tell a story one which many will be familiar with especially those who have been marginalized within late-stage capitalistic systems not built for them. Ageism sexism ableism discrimination and socioeconomic instability set the tone while nature family friendship and love provide subtle encouragement those hints of beauty and possibility necessary to surviving crises.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether it's the workplace an unstable housing market institutions or overall society Gotthardt's poetry explores themes of injustice lack of compassion inequity and discrimination by artfully weaving imagery narrative and metaphor. And while the book is not meant to be interpreted as memoir it does represent a period of the author's life one during which optimism was scarce and every moment presented one more seemingly impossible obstacle. Readers move with Gotthardt through panic and inner struggle to a mental and physical place of greater tranquility and reckoning in an inspiring depiction of tenacity and strength.</p><p><br></p><p>From the depths of despair and hopelessness to a place where peace and acceptance are accessible and tangible these poems demonstrate why Gotthardt has earned the title award-winning author. More importantly they are a courageous statement of what is needed to change the world - for the better.</p>