Akhtar Allamzadeh, who calls herself Tazhib, writes and draws with the sharpness and sudden clarity of cut glass. You can scratch your eye on these poems and drawings. They’re hard-edged and angular. But then, a moment later, she’s all salve and balm. She is also very funny, finding amusement in everything. She surprises you with glimpses and glances—like dream fragments. She keeps you off balance. Or, she can be infinitely gentle, as in “Dawn.” Early in the morning, Bit by bit, With the utmost shyness, The day is arriving. What most of the poems are about is love, love, love. Tazhib is a loving lady—love is what gives life meaning. She gives and takes love in equal measure. She risks the hurt and pain of love. “If you don’t love anyone, let someone love you,” she challenges. “The birth of a day/carrying true love/Never adds to your age.” And #1 Lesson: “I am in love with the one who is in love with me.” Tazhib lives in Malibu, California, which is the inspiration for much of the beauty and serenity in her poems and drawings.