Jake Bandit’s second self-published collection, Vertical Axis, marks a definitive turning point in his writing life. In 2023, while sorting through three decades of personal notebooks uncovered during a difficult divorce, Bandit began publishing fragments and meditations under the moniker The Black Dog Speaks on Substack. Following the April 2025 release of his first book, Black Dog, and the subsequent launch of his official website in 2026, he now introduces Vertical Axis. This collection represents a maturation of his craft, containing reflective work forged from years of observation and loss, and the clarity found in the rigorous interrogation of one's own experience.
Black Dog is the first book of poetry by American author Jake Bandit. A stark, honest exploration of the human spirit, delivered through spare, powerful poetry that never romanticizes suffering. With a voice that’s both intimate and unflinching, Bandit navigates themes of despair, alienation, and resilience, offering readers a sense of solidarity and quiet defiance, not easy answers. Each poem balances clarity and emotional weight, creating space for reflection while confronting darkness head-on. Black Dog is a brave, affecting collection—a testament to survival that lingers long after the final page.