The Dash Poem official website. Read the world-famous poem that has touched millions. Linda Ellis, Author's Site
Please enjoy The Dash poem written by Linda Ellis. This poem has been enjoyed by millions around the world. The words have changed many lives. They could change yours, too…
This is copyrighted material and may not be reproduced, posted or distributed without authorization. However, please feel free to RECITE it anywhere at any time. If you’d like to share it with others, post a link to this page…do not copy. We thank you! Live Your Dash!
The Dash
by Linda Ellis copyright 1996
I read of a man who stood to speak
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning…to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
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 live and love
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 can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough
to consider what’s true and real
and always try to understand
the way other people feel.
And 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 spent YOUR dash?
Copyright Linda Ellis
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED


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Your poem was read at my moms funeral about four months ago. Beautiful. Just finished the book. Thank you.
I was first “introduced” to your poem 10 years ago when I was working with people who had ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
One of the caregivers who lost her mate shared this poem.
It has been inspirational to me and others ever since.
Being a brain tumor survivor–Every Moment is Truly a Gift.
Time we have on this earth is “limited” so I choose to Live your poem!
neat poem…..