Books

Elizabeth is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. The traumatic effects of this left many emotional scars as well as complex PTSD, in a life often hidden by silence. Throughout different stages of her recovery, Silhouette of a Songbird witnesses Elizabeth's personal struggle on her journey to unlock the pain of reclaiming her voice through the power of poetry. By sharing her own experience, she hopes this will provide support and strength to others who have suffered similar childhood trauma, with the knowledge that they are understood and not walking through the storm alone.

Rainbow of Promise is Elizabeth's second collection of poems, following the aftermath of speaking out about her experience of familial sexual abuse in her first poetry book. It links past trauma with present difficulties, finding ways to overcome the resulting anxiety, mental health issues and intrusive memories when dealing with her everyday life, that can often feel overwhelming for many survivors. By empowering herself, Elizabeth empowers others, providing a platform to have a voice and a right to be heard, through creative self-expression.

Using a humorous pair of spectacles to navigate some of life’s trials and tribulations, Elizabeth finds herself immersed in a world of ham sandwiches, hospital gowns and discovering joy in the strangest of situations. Her poems share an insight into Elizabeth’s thoughts and experiences as she grapples the complexities of family, health and her love of sheep.

Elizabeth Shane’s fourth poetry book ‘Behind the Mask’ gives a glimpse of the challenges and triumphs faced from her experience of childhood sexual abuse to tackle the complexities and impact of trauma into adulthood. She does this using her own unique grasp of emotional, visual and symbolic language to break down barriers around difficult conversations, gaining insight and a deeper understanding into past trauma and how it presents itself in everyday life. Elizabeth’s poetry is not defined by the suffocation of freedom that once immobilised her voice, but strength to share vulnerability of her scars, the cracks, to re-balance the world and broaden the possibility of creating a beautiful understanding of ourselves.

In Having the Opportunity to Peacefully Exist, Elizabeth Shane presents a powerful collection of poetry that delves into the intricate landscape of trauma and abuse, using rhythm, colour and symbolic expression to navigate the often-silent wounds of conflict, injustice and inner turmoil. Elizabeth captures the essence of survival, illuminating the hidden depths of pain and loss while celebrating solidarity, empowerment, renewal and hope.

With collective strength and light, she underscores the importance of finding joy in everyday moments and the profound connections we forge with one another. Having the Opportunity to Peacefully Exist is a testament to the power of surviving - and thriving - through the act of poetic truth-telling.