I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash.
So, think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile…remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?
by Linda Ellis, Copyright © 1996-2050, LindaEllis.life
Such a beautiful poem,thanks for sharring such a heart warming inspiring poem that speaks to everyone at some point.
Thanks Adam,
Happy to share, it really is an lovely poem.
Jolyn
Amazing ❤️
Yes, it’s a great poem.
My wife read the “Dash” poem at her mothers’ funeral 8 years ago. While in a book store a few months ago, I came across the book and bought it. What a common sense way to life your dash. I pick up the book once a week, I love it. I ordered 3 or 4 copies and gave them to special friends. Every time each person was so thankful for the gift. I recently ordered 12 for giving. I gave one to a special friend in my cancer support group, he enjoyed it so much he ordered some and gave one to his mother who is in an assisted living home. She called him that night, crying, just loving the “Dash”. At my favorite credit union, I gave them a copy. The person I handed it to started crying as her mother passed 4 years ago to that day. I will treasure the words in the “Dash” forever.
Jerald, thank you so much for that feedback, it gave me goosebumps to know that you have shared The Dash with so many. As much as I can’t take any credit for the poem (by Linda Ellis, Copyright © 1996-2050, https://thedashpoem.com/), I can only hope that by sharing my life and stories it will encourage others to live their dash. xx
Thank you for posting the Dash Poem! if you don’t mind, please add the following trademark information: by Linda Ellis, Copyright © 1996-2050, https://thedashpoem.com/. Thanks for spreading the message to Live Your Dash well!
Thank you Kathryn, I have included the trademark information as requested.
This is so beautiful and a refreshing way to look at life
Thank you Elaine, I agree and try to live my ‘dash’ with kindness and grace. It’s a daily challenge!