About the Book
Now Available!
Loss. Uncertainty. Anxiety. Depression. Rage. Hope.
Multi-award-winning poet and author Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt tells a story, one too familiar to those who have been marginalized within systems not built for them. The World Has Changed from When I Last Was Here is an epic depiction of late-stage capitalism’s impact on the individual. But it is also a poetic blueprint for moving toward peace through nature’s quiet capacity to heal.
Ageism, sexism, ableism, discrimination and socioeconomic instability set the tone, while Earth, family, friendship and love provide subtle encouragement, those hints of beauty and possibility necessary to surviving crises.
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.
I wrote these poems for myself, but also to let people who have traveled these difficult roads know they are not alone and encourage them to find support wherever they can. That sometimes means being resourceful, but it also means building and leaning on a diverse network. People were not meant to live in isolation, and one of the worst things we can do in a crisis is try to manage by ourselves.
-Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt
From the depths of despair, to a place where peace and acceptance are accessible and tangible, these poems demonstrate why Gotthardt has earned the title "award-winning." More importantly, they are a courageous statement of what is needed to change the world - for the better.
Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt does not use AI to generate or assist in the writing of her poetry.
If you are facing mental health struggles, are experiencing emotional distress, or have alcohol or drug use concerns, or if you just need someone to talk to, please call or text 988, or reach out to the 988 Lifeline. In any life threatening emergency, dial 911.
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Contact Katherine
- For poetry drafts and insights, follow Katherine on social media and search the hashtag #KatherinesCoffeehouse. Or check out Katherine's Coffeehouse here on the website.
- You may also subscribe to Katherine's Substack for periodic email.
- Publishing and event updates can be found on the homepage.
- For inquiries about book signings, workshops, readings, speaking and giving programs, please email poet at KatherineGotthardt.com.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
David Gotthardt
Alexandra Mooney
Andrew Gotthardt
Jonathan Colding
Michael Mercurio
David Lezcano
Jorge de Villasante
Michelle Santos
Vanessa Davis
Jacki & Lee Prock
Ryan Denny, Realtor
Bill Denny, Realtor
Liz Allen, Realtor
Rebecca Barnes, Publisher
Stacy Shaw, Publisher, Editor
Bruce Potter, Publisher
Sheena Mosier, Poet
Anne Morrigan, Poet
Thomas Burson, Poet
@author.taylor.jean
@HaikuFeels
@flip_89db
@caititalks
Brandon Broadfoot, Graphic Designer
Victor Rook, Author, Publisher
Rick Lupert, Poet, Publisher
Satya Robyn, Writer, Buddhist Teacher, Psychotherapist
John Berry, LPC
Charlotte Ayuk-Nkem, PMHNP-BC
Nancy Wyatt, Holistic Healer, Writer, Editor
All Poetry – Poets Harbour Academy
Write by the Rails
Virginia Writers Club
Poetry Super Highway