About “The Dash”
THE DASH poem — written by Linda Ellis one afternoon in 1996, has been enjoyed by millions over the years and is one of the most widely read poems in the world today. The Dash is responsible for changing attitudes and subsequently, thousands of lives around the world. Following the success of her gift book, The Dash – Making a Difference with Your Life…in 2011, Linda Ellis’ wonderfully inspiring new book titled: LIVE YOUR DASH was published! The concept of the dash (that little line in between your dates of birth and death which represents all the days you’ll live on earth), the words and the meaning behind the poem leave the reader thinking differently about life and what’s important.
The Dash poem is the subject of a short inspirational movie which is one of the most successful movies of its’ kind — having been visited by over 30 million viewers. “The Dash”, a beautiful pictorial gift book written in conjunction with Mac Anderson, founder of Successories, has sold over 300,000 copies. In 2011, Linda Ellis’ latest book titled LIVE YOUR DASH was published!
Read more about The Story Behind The Dash poem.
How have you been Touched by The Dash?
Watch The Dash movie | Preview The Dash gift book | The Dash Book and Gifts
READ THE DASH
I heard this poem for the first time today at a funeral of a beautiful, fiesty Scottish lady. She and the peom touch my heart. We will miss you your contagious smile. Go with God.
I just returned from a funeral of a great co-worker and the priest read this poem – i was moved – so perfect
I ran across a dash poem and the wisdom is very true and wanted to trace it to origination and found God’s grace on thee. It is a blessing the way God uses His Son’s and Daughters to jog the direction of His Children. Thank you for your walk with Him, that others can see how short time can be. Agape, Brother Les
My daughter Benita had this book (The Dash) and I read it while visiting her, I had read about it
on the website , but didn’t buy it at the time, after reading her copy I had her order 2 of them
for me, one to keep, the other as a Gift.
They are WONDERFUL! and I shall be telling others about these beautiful and inspirational books.
I have bought every dash product you’ve offered because it helps to remind me every single day that this life is temporary and I need to “inhabit the moment,” as you’ve said. Thank you for opening my eyes and ears to a life that I used to be nothing but a bystander for…watching it go by.
I heard this poem for the first time today as it was read by our Honor Guard Captain Brad Purdom.
It was read at the memorial service of Ralph Lampe who was a former
Commander as well as former Captain of our American Legion Post 285 in Edgewater Florida.
I don’t think there were many dry eyes amongst those in attendance,
Charles Miller
Post 285 Honor Guard
I love the Dash. It is so true that we run here and run there and hardly stop to take a deep breath. I hope everyone lives out the music in their heart. Life is so precious…. THank you
This poem has captured my life, I was so stuck in sorrow over Losing my Son, TODD when I discovered your poem “TWICE AS MUCH” one late desperate nite, also read “THE DASH” I have applied this to my life.. I am no longer at that point… but instead cherishing each moment as my last.. just as TODD would want me too!! I would love for someone to read this poem at my funeral when that time comes..You have truly written the wisdom one usually finds in the BIBLE…I would say the LORD has blessed you that this talent is not just luck!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS MY FRIEND!!! DASHING FRIEND!!
I heard Tim Tebow quote part of your poem and was inspired. I looked up your website to read it in its entirety.
What a remarkable way to remind us all to live this life fully and with purpose.
I am reminded of Jim Elliot (who died living his life with purpose). He said, “Wherever you are, be all there.”
He also encouraged us with, “When the time comes to die, be sure all you have to do is die.”
I hope to live my dash with meaning and purpose. Getting the most and giving the most during the dash. A dash well lived!
MY COUSIN JEFF MENARY DIED OF CANCER FEB 16/08
IT HAD BEEN MY FIRST TIME HEARING YOUR POEM. USUALLY I AM THE STRONG ONE BUT LET ME TELL YOU I BROKE DOWN AND CRIED. I CAN SAY HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH HIS DASH BUT ALOT OF US WILL.
THANKS IT WAS BEAUTIFUL
On 4-9-12 we attended a memorial service for my sister-in-law, Sandy, whom I never had the pleasure of meeting. My husband, Marvin, and his sister had only recently met. You see, they had the same father, but different mothers. The only time they had ever met was when my husband was 6 months old. Over the past few years, he and Sandy had reconnected and always tried to see each other, but something always got in the way. One day his sister, Gloria (Sandy’s true sister), called my husband and told him that Sandy was very sick and that she was travelling to see her. What could we do? There was no question that he had to go, too. Two weeks later he flew to Ohio to meet his sisters. It was a joyous and poignant reunion with lots of tears and kisses, hugs and laughter. The four days they spent together went by quickly. Six days after he returned home, his sister passed away. Bringing us full circle back to Ohio on Sandy;s 64th birthday to celebrate her “dash”; one filled with love. We were blessed to have had her, and the world is definitely a better place for having had her in it.
i was actually in the hospital just out of surgery and an old man that volunteered there told me about The Dash. he started telling me about his wife and how he loved her so very much and how she had passed away from cancer. He explained to me about how she had a great life and enjoyed every minute of it. then he started telling me about the dash. he told me to look it up and read it and then to let him know what i thought. the dash is the most beautiful poem i have ever read. i instantly broke into tears. he told me that no matter how hard life gets enjoy it. for you only have so much time on your dash. he told me that i was a beautiful girl and that i would go a long way in life. and the last words he said to me before he left was to think about how i spend my dash. i will honestly never forget any of it. it changed the way i look at things.
I read the poem for the first time & it was so heart warming. My 19 year old neice was killed in a car accident on 12/8/10 and it just hit home! What a wonderful poem. It is truely from the writers heart!
The “Living Your Dash” poem was recently read at my cousins memorial. It was beautiful and there was not a dry eye.
I just read your poem and it has touched my heart. My husband passed away in October at a young age of 55. When I read you poem it was comforting .
I just heard this poem today at my Aunt’s funeral and it touched my heart. Very beautiful
I heard about this poem this past Tuesday at a women’s only Alcoholics Anonymous. I was SO moved by the “meaning” of the poem that I have actually though about it everyday since. I have thought about what my “dash” has been the last 47 years of my life and what I want my “dash” to be for my remaining days. Thank you, Ms Ellis, for writing such a profound poem…I truly appreciate it!
I heard The Dash at my school graduation. I was there to say goodbye to many friends and our principle spoke the poem to inspire our senior class. It was an amazing poem and the only part of the ceremony I was actually listening to. It just set the mood for the goodbyes that I made that evening and really showed how it is not the beginning or the end that counts, but the middle between them.
I heard the poem for the first time last Friday night at a friend’s mom’s wake. I told my husband we had to get a copy of the poem. I am participating in an endurance even to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and believe it should be read during our mission moment at our next training. It moved me and I think it will have an impact on everyone participating.
My government teacher read the poem at our commencement speech at the Baccalaureate ceremony
I first heard this poem only 2 weeks ago when a good friend used it as part of the Eulogy at my Father Inlaws funeral. It really is true, such a beautiful & moving piece.
I have been dealing with disabling health issues for years and then lost my job two years ago. I let depression get the better of me and I checked out of LIVING my life.
I recently attended the funeral of my son’s 14 yr old friend who was killed in a car accident.The pastor read “The Dash” and I felt as if God Himself was telling ME that I was wasting MY dash.
I found the follow up poem “Live Your Dash” which is now my new mantra. Ms Ellis, God has given you a great gift, thanks so much for sharing it; you may have saved a life!
REST IN PEACE!! CODY 10/11/1996 — 10/18/2010
This was my sister’s favorite poem. She always talked about it and cried whenever she read it. We just lost her and I can tell you she used her dash well. She touched many lives even though her life was much too short. I don’t think she really knew how many people loved her and her laugh. We read the poem for her during her service. Thank you.
We recently and unexpetedly lost a co-worker whom I personally have worked with for the past 9 years; many of my co-workers even longer. I plan on playing this video at our start of shift tomorrow. Ironically, it is so inspirining and uplifting that my hope is it will touch a few lives here at work and help us treat eachother better.
My father passed away less than two weeks ago. As a tribute to his life, we used ‘The Dash’ as part of his Memorial Service. What a beautifully written poem that embodies what life should be about. Not how we begin and end, but the beautiful things that are done in between. Thanks for sharing a meaningful and beautiful poem with the world and our family.
My partner of 65 years passed and we used the “Dash” as part of the eulogy as we spread her ashes.
Sun, September 6, 2009 9:01:12 PM
Mama’s tribute
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From:
Gerri Gribi
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To: ranlcc2@yahoo.com
I first heard this poem in the mid eighties by a local radio host who had a Saturday morning program on WKRC Cincinnati Ohio. I requested a copy of it and occasionally would pull it out of my file to reread it.On Sept. 29 2007 my partner of 65 years passed. Our family had a private service on the banks of a beautiful creek in Adams County Ohio and my daughter read “The Dash” as we spread her ashes.
I will read this poem at my friend’s funeral tomorrow
9/13/10 Dutch Dilligard in Charleston, S.C.
We read the dash at my dad’s life service. What a moving poem ! My dad didn’t have a lot of space between his birth and his passing , but did he ever put a lot of experiences in that space.
Thank you for having the insight to write THE DASH.It is a loving and purposeful way to remember someone and their life. Thank you
Cheryl Atkinson
I heard the poem read for the first time at my father’s funeral performed military style. The words really hit home and made me rethink alot about life.
I love this poem and I read it at the Eulogy of my mother’s funeral and I heard it at the Eulogy of a freind’s funeral and it says so much.
I want this poem to be read at my funeral. It has so touched my heart.
I heard this read at my wife’s aunt’s funeral, how simple yet so moving.
I heard this read yesterday at a Memorial Service for a resident of my Mom’s Assisted Living Home.
Very moving. Great perspective.
It shows a positive way to view the passing over of a loved one.
Namaste’ ,
ray
I love the Dash. I can’t remember when someone shared it with me. It is soooo true. Thank you for sharing your beautiful talent.