Click the video to hear the poet talk about how he and the Atlanta Brave New Voices 2016 team create poetry and prepare for the international competition in Washington D.C. in July.

Video shot by Ninel Nekay, 18, Atlanta Word Works and Brave New Voices 2016 team member

This poem is a draft

I may have 3 more

I may have 9 more

It may be amazing, but there’s always more to add

Because we’re always growing

This editing process is unique

This healing process is organic

It is the summer of 2016

My healing process began in 2014

It takes time

And even though I’m still healing

That’s not why I’m here right now

It’s my turn to give back

I don’t have to be a counselor to effectively listen

I don’t have to go to school to tell someone I love them

Or give them the support they need to grow

I just need to be here

Right now

This environment is not controlled

We are free to unapologetically be

We are a family

We communicate well and we all get along

The fact that we’re close in age is just a plus

Everything comes natural

The love we share runs deep

You understand me and I understand you

What I feel is what you feel

We’re feeling it for everyone in this circle

It’s all about the energy you put into this

And I’m about to give it my all.

Cole, 20, is a mentor for Atlanta Word Works and an intern at VOX this summer, helping guide the Atlanta team to Brave New Voices international poetry slam next month.