Born in Canada, and of Iraqi heritage, ZAID SHLAH currently resides in Northern California with his family. His poetry has appeared in literary magazines, journals and anthologies in both Canada and the US. In May of 2005, he was awarded the American Academy of Poets Award. His first book of poetry, Taqsim, has been published in the US and in Canada (Frontenac House, 2006). He teaches composition and English literature where he is Assistant Professor of English at Modesto Junior College.