ClockWork: Poems & Essays

Drawing on his experiences as an Iraqi-Canadian living in the United States, Zaid Shlah reflects on what it means to view one's homeland from a distance while navigating the lasting effects of war, cultural differences, and political conflict. Through a combination of personal reflections, experimental poetry, and literary essays, he questions familiar ideas about history, tradition, and the role of writers in shaping how people understand the world. The collection moves between intimate observations and broader social concerns, using inventive language and unconventional poetic forms to challenge expectations. Shlah also examines how poetry can offer fresh perspectives on difficult experiences and encourage readers to question accepted beliefs. 

Both personal and politically engaged, this collection invites readers to consider how creativity, memory, and cultural identity influence the stories people tell about themselves and their communities.