Marine corporal tells story through poetry

Marine Corps Cpl. Juan M. Caraballo reads an excerpt from “The Essence of a Young Poet” May 22 at the Camp Foster Library. “The Essence of a Young Poet” is a book of poems authored by Caraballo detailing the trials and tribulations he faced growing up. “I hope that (people) read my book and can relate to my story and realize they can (overcome) whatever they are going through,” he explains. Caraballo also believes that his book will inspire young people and service members to embrace their own passions. He wrote and published his book while training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in July 2014. Caraballo, a Dominican immigrant, also published a Spanish version, “La Esencia de un Poeta Joven”, in February 2015. Caraballo is a motor vehicle operator with 3rd Transportation Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistic Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.