Regardless of length, rhyme scheme, setting or plot, poetry is considered a classic form of expressing one's emotions.

A small group of Soldiers, parents and children attended Joint Base Lewis-McChord's first Poetry Karaoke event April 18 at the McChord Library.

To recognize National Poetry Month in April the McChord Library staff wanted to bring their patrons together to share their love and respect for spoken word.

"Our poetry section is very underutilized," said Mary Lengel, adult programs coordinator at McChord Library. Everyone in attendance shared at least one poem with the audience. Some read from their favorite poets including Shel Silverstein, Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson and even Dr. Seuss.

Master Sergeant Tanisha Medina, 42nd Military Police Brigade, read her poem, "I am Strong," and said she was glad to hear poems from others in the community and to also see an interest from children. She revisited writing poetry four years ago while deployed to Iraq, using it as a therapeutic way to express her emotions.

At the McChord Library, it was her first time reading in front of an audience.

"It was really nice to share my poetry (with) others and get positive feedback," Medina said.

Sergeant Joe Byrk, 296th Brigade Support Battalion, read his poem, "I Think in Pink," which is one of many he independently published. Much of his writing started in 1998 out of his desire to put his feelings into words, which is what he likes about a local poetry reading event.

"I think it's a good thing to show younger folks they can put their emotions down into poems," Byrk said.

The younger fans of poetry who attended enjoyed the "clever and unique" idea of the event, including Allisa Washington.

"It...was fun," she said.

Outside of the spoken word, games were played for candy and books. The group played poetical chairs - similar to musical chairs. Once a list of words being read stopped rhyming, everyone had to find an open seat.

There was also a word scramble game with a focus on poetic terms - ode, verse, words and meter to name a few.

To give the event a coffee house type setting cookies, coffee and water were provided. The 10 people in attendance was a perfect number for a first time event at the library.

"It was a small enough group where people were comfortable, but it was a big enough group to show there's enough interest," Lengel said.