Poetry

Seasons

Jake's first collection of poetry was released in 2021. The poems collected are from over the course of 2017-2021. All profits from this book will be donated to NAMI Urban Los Angeles, an organization focused on helping those with mental issues who do not have adequate resources. If you are interested in a digital copy, Venmo $5 to @Jake-Raiter with your name and email address. If you do not have Venmo and still want a copy, contact him at raiterj@icloud.com

Here's a taste:

"Lakeside"

Soft, giving mud greets me

As gravity guides me through

This thick forest of algae

And water

Legs were made to move

Therefore I must

I hope we’re still together

When I come up for air

And sing a song of warm skin

And deep shadows

Maybe then we can hold each other the way roots intertwine

And soak in light and kind soil

I cannot be pulled back into a pattern

Of ebb and flow

If I keep my feet firmly planted in nothing

And grip the grass as tightly

As the way you cup a butterfly

Yet forget not to study the butterflies wings

For divinity is found in what was grown

And experience the thrill of flying and the relief

Of falling