A teen writer is celebrating after her controversial poem was published in a national anthology. 

Fourteen-year-old Alice Yabsley, who lives in Weymouth, was noticed by the Young Writers organisation after conjuring a thought-provoking poem about the “dark” areas of Weymouth town centre. 

Whilst browsing the Young Writers’ website Alice, who has long been a poetry lover, found out about its Busta Rhyme competition which challenges teenagers to write a poem about something they are passionate about. 

With help from others, including her mum Lucy, Alice wrote the poem The Degeneration Project, which went on to be included in a national Hidden Treasures collection, the latest in the Busta Rhyme series. 

A section of the poem, which has been described as potentially uncomfortable reading for some, reads: “The coke addict caked in bright colours and lights. What’s our future? Kids are raised on KFC. Their homework is to make a cup of tea.”

Elsewhere in her poem Alice speaks about “alcoholics painting the future” and “the once beautiful harbour, a litter bin for under-aged drinkers.”

The provocative words were inspired by Alice’s passion to clean up the town centre and give it a new lease of life.

She said: “I hope my poem will spark controversy and realisation of the darker side of the town. Hopefully people will come together and clean up Weymouth.”

Whilst still inclined to read and appreciate poems written by others, her success has inspired her to want to write more poetry of her own.

Alice added: “My family were very proud of my accomplishment and are excited to see what comes next.” 

Young Writers has worked with schools, parents and young writers across the globe for since it was formed in 1991. Its aim is to promote poetry and creative writing, running annual competitions, producing poetry and creative writing collections as well as resources for teachers and young writers.

  •  Alice’s full poem can be found in the Busta Rhyme - Hidden Treasures book, available in bookstores and online.