Students gathered in the library for a chance to listen, enjoy and share the emotion that is within poetry.

On Feb. 26, “The Read” hosted an open Mic poetry reading on the 3rd floor of the Moorpark College Library.

Guest reader Frank Mundo – the author of award winning novel in verse, “The Brubury Tales”- shared his ideas and views on poetry to an audience of students and faculty members.

Mundo first describes the “Do’s and Dont’s” in poetry. Having his Bachelor’s degree in English from UCLA, he was taught not to have his poetry rhyme. Mundo was also taught not to say anything with sentimental value.

“Don’t follow the rules, stick to your guts” said Mundo.

At UCLA, teachers always told him to change his poetry but Mundo didn’t agree.

“There are many rules and expectations in poetry but you are only going to be happy writing what you feel is the right way,” said Mundo.

After touching upon his novel “The Brubury Tales”, Mundo read something more personal. Reflecting back at the time he had 11 days off of work in a row he decided to write a sonnet a day for his wife. “A Pocket full of Poesy’s” followed by “Lilly Liberd,” all 11 poems he wrote about his wife are titled with names of her favorite flowers.

Mundo’s wife, Nancy Mundo, influenced Mundo to go to UCLA.

“I told him I wouldn’t go out with him until he went to college,” said Mrs. Mundo.

Before being married they met at the hotel she worked at 17 years ago. She was drawn to his poetry.

Everyday he would say, “Give me two words and I will write you a poem,” said Mr. Mundo.

“I would definitely say his poetry made me fall in love with him,” said Mrs. Mundo.

Professor Wade Bradford, the organizer of “The Read” described Mundo’s poetry as having a very distinct rhyme scheme that reflects back to older poetry like Shakespeare.

“He’s influenced by everyday workers, something people can relate to,” said Bradford.

Bradford encourages students to attend the next poetry reading.

“The poetry readings are a good creative outlet, if any student has been writing poetry, or song lyrics, I encourage them to share and not let it sit in their drawer,” said Bradford.

The next event is scheduled for March 19, with guest poet Laurisa White Reyes, a children’s author of fantasy novels.