kurtis"s groundbreaking and uniquely poetical style is certainly appropriate for the new century. At times, his work hearkens to familiar standards while, at the same time, reaches forward with a creative and experimental energy. like an angel dead in your arms is the literary equivalent of what the rock "n" roll world has long called a concept album. His writing reflects a unique amalgamation of the natural, rustic earth with which he was raised and the highly urban New York where he now resides. Through these works, culled from his archive of hundreds of poems written during the past few years, one comes to realize that such opposites offer a unique blend of life and are naturally co-existent. Like a piece of masterful theater, like an angel dead in your arms is a work in three movements telling the story of life, love, and loss. As kurtis states in his introduction, "There is no concrete or absolute meaning, no right or wrong interpretation to the words within these pages. In fact, I hope each reader will be able to walk away with his or her own individual idea of what this book is about. Any reaction is appropriate."