Poetry fans had the chance to share their creativity and express their emotions through the written word.

On Sept. 18, “The Read” hosted an open mic poetry reading at the 3rd floor of the Moorpark College Library/Learning Resources Center.

Guest poet Crystal Salas shared some of her works to a crowded audience consisting of students, faculty members, and community members.

Salas’ presence kept the audience engaged as she presented light-hearted, and humorous poems -such as “Poem about eggs,” “The park” – and more serious works, such as a “The point,” “Birthday poem for Pete,” and “Optimism.”

Salas also read a poem from her book, “Body in Grief” about her old roommate, reminiscing memories together. The book called “Body memoir,” explores the idea of what bodies and space express.

Salas, a 22-year-old creative writing major graduated from UC Santa Cruz. Salas is the co-founder of Atomic Tangerine Press, which produces Poetry Solves Problems, a bi-monthly art salon/celebration in Los Angeles.

English professor and coordinator of “The Read” Wade Bradford, described Salas’ poetry as featuring a vivid imagery and engaging narratives. “She definitely writes from the heart,” Bradford added.

Moorpark College students and community members took over the mic to read their original works, which was rewarded with gracious applause.

Melissa Rigaud, 20, undecided major, was one of the first speakers to come up to the mic. She read a short poem called “Falling pieces.”

Rigaud expressed her content with the workshop, which allows students to share their work, interact with poets, writers and students.

“I think it’s a great way to connect students through some mutual interests and also introduce students to poetry that they have may not been exposed or been aware necessarily” said Rigaud.

The next event is scheduled for Oct. 16 with the guest author Melody Mansfield at 3rd floor of the Moorpark College Library.