Lived and written by Brian Van Remmen, this book is like a baldric, holding something sharp and deadly, yet beautiful and masterfully made with wit and an unmerciful attention to the tricot sinew of life and the dirty tourniquet holding it all together. Each word is a flesh wound and when you heal from reading this book, you will be stronger.Brian VanRemmen was born and raised in Buffalo, NY, and holds a Masters degree in Poetics from SUNY Buffalo (2003), studying under Charles Bernstein, Susan Howe, Robert Creeley, and others. In 2004, he cofounded Hip Pocket Books, a small press based in Buffalo, and published four titles; Notes from a Neophyte, The Optimist, Absurdity & Speed, and Temporary Author. In 2012, the literary and art magazine DenimSkin was founded in partnership with Michael Demyan, and published a variety of poetry, flash fiction, short stories, photography, and art across 5 issues. Recently, Brian has shared the stage with members of Coyote Bloom, Mad Gleam Press, Great Weather For Media, and performed as the opener for Nico Tortorella at the 2018 NYC Poetry festival on Governors Island.