Story Behind THE DASH Poem
While it still amazes me, a simple poem I wrote one afternoon in 1996 forever changed my life. It all began when I faxed a copy of this poem to a syndicated radio show in Atlanta. The host of this popular show read it on the air. Little did I know how much my life would change from that day forward.
Thirty-six lines that have touched millions
Titled simply — The Dash — these 36 lines have touched millions of lives and have literally taken on a life of their own by traveling all over the world. I call it uncomplicated poetry in a complicated world, which became a slogan to describe my inspirational writings and my company, Linda’s Lyrics.
People are always asking me what, in particular, inspired me to write this poem. I believe it was a combination of things in my life at the time. It was during a period when I was working for the top executives of a very large and successful corporation. It was a strict company with a tense working environment. I began to notice how the priorities in many lives there had become, what I considered, misaligned. It seemed to me there were far too many worrying far too much about that which was inconsequential in the scope of life. They were putting more emphasis on making a living than making a life.
Also, resonating in the back of my mind were the words from a letter which had been previously routed around the office. It had been written by the wife of an employee who was aware that she was dying. I was so moved by that letter that I saved a copy of it and continue to live by her words:
“Regrets? I have a few. Too much worrying about finding the right husband and having children, being on time, being late and so on. It didn’t matter. It all works out and it would have worked out without the worries and the tears. If I would have known then what I know now. But I did and so do you. We’re all going to die. Stop worrying and start loving and living.”
Her words stuck with me. Her letter made me stop and think. This is it. This is all we get.
Words that have changed attitudes and the direction of lives
I remember where I was when I first truly realized the significance of the piece that I had written. I was on a business trip in Minnesota, alone in a hotel room. I received an emotional email thanking me for sharing the message of The Dash from a student who had recently heard it as part of a memorial gathering for the Columbine High School students. I sat on the bed and cried.
Several years later, I found myself engulfed in the thoughts and feelings created by my own words as I listened to them read aloud, for what seemed like the very first time, at the funeral of my father … my best friend. I wrote this closing exactly one year from that day and never had the words of the poem meant more to me.
The Dash has truly affected millions. I may not be able to change the world with these words, but I have certainly been able to influence a portion of it. The poem’s words have convinced mothers to spend more time with their children, fathers to spend more time at home, and reunited long-lost loved ones.
The words have changed attitudes, and changed the direction of lives. They have, in their own way, made a difference.
I know writing The Dash has changed my life. I hope reading it in some way, may change yours.
Live Your Dash,
- Linda Ellis
How have you been Touched by The Dash?
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I first heard this poem in December 2011 when my son’s best friend’s dad died way too young. My son’s best friend was only 13 and his father 37. It still breaks my heart that all his young kids are left without their father here on earth. I didn’t know him well but by the turn out at the funeral home I can tell he touched a lot of lives. So when I heard that poem I realized that all those people helped complete his dash and that they were extremely blessed. On a personal note, that poem touched me. Who would have thought that little dash was so important? I didn’t but I do now. I just wanted to share my story and tell you thanks for being so talented. Without this kind of talent there wouldn’t be all these touching stories to tell. You and your poem are amazing! Again, thanks!
I saw The Dash at a funeral home in Denver where my family had traveled to bury a loved one. It was hung on a wall and I had walked over to read it in order to pass some time. After reading the poem I almost felt like I was drawn to it by someone or something. It gave me a sense of peace in what had been a very difficult week and for that reason I would like to thank you Ms. Ellis.
Sincerely ,
Lisa Bair
hi.ms Ellis i really love and enjoy reading you book wish one day we could work together im studying journalism and really hope one day you will be able to read one of mines in time to come, excellent book by the way
I first heard this beautiful peom at my Father in laws funeral 5 years ago. WOW that hit home!! Thank You Linda Ellis!!
This year I have fought cancer at the age of 46 and to date I am winning. A friend told me about this poem and I went hunting for it. All I can add is that I feel like I actually get to have two dashes between my dates and I promise to live the second one with more fully.
A friend has just shared this poem with me and I’ve read it for the first time with tears in my eyes – powerful sentiments in such a beautiful form. Reading over the other comments that have been left here I can simply say, thank you for sharing this gift with us all.
this poem was recently read out at my newly deceased mothers funeral by the minister, it was one of the most moving things i have heard and all the congrigation commented on it, it was beautiful
On Nov 19th My wife got her winter coat out and found a folded up paper with a poem “The Dash” in it. In March of 2011 we lost one of our daughters and believe some kind sole placed it in my wife’s pocket at this time some eight months ago. We have been dreading the up and coming holiday season. This will be the first Christmas our family will spend together with out her present. We both agreed to read your letter “The Dash” at our traditional gathering in her remembrance so others can take a moment to reflect on the past and work on rearranging the future. Thank you Linda.
My family just attended my son’s best friends Mothers funeral this week. This was the first time I had hear of the “DASH” . It was very moving. What a great impression it left in my heart and soul.
I lost my most beloved beautiful husband after a short marriage, at his funeral one of my daughters and his nephew did the eulogy ,the nephew read “the dash” without me knowing I was ever so moved, also my darling’s children would have heard these words and reflected on the hurt they had caused him, the words said it all about him. Praise be that you penned these meaningful words for all of us.
My senior year of high school our english teacher read us “The Dash” and then had us write an essay to refelct on our lives and where we were going. It really helped me get through a tuff time cause my Grandfather was very ill and died later that year……. thank you for such inspirational words!!!
awesome & soul touching poem…..i may not always remember the words, but the meaning….
its not what happens at birth,or at death.its what happens after birth and before death.it was a great Poem.thanks for it.
this poem was sent to me several years ago, a few days ago a co-worker died, tomorrow is the funeral and I plan to read this poem at the funeral. I find it comforting.
Today I heard this lovely poem which was read at my father’s funeral. I lost him much too early as he was only 60 and I am only 21. But in those short years I grew to know a wonderful, caring and loving man. So instead of crying at his funeral, I smiled while thinking about his ‘dash’ and all of the wonderful memories I have from it. Thank you.
I first heard this poem after the passing of a niece a few years ago. It touched me then. This year I lost an older brother in January and now in July lost a younger brother. I just sent the dash poem to my sister-in-law. Each year there is a family picnic. Because of the power of that poem I am thinking of having that poem read at our family picnic each year. Maybe we should add the serenity prayer also.
”The Dash” was read at the funeral of a family friend, who was killed in a car crash last month, he was just 18. I was moved by how the poem captured his ”go get” attitude to life; just a week before his death, in celebration of his 18th birthday he’d taken part in a sky jump. Moreover ”dash” in the literal sense embodied his inherent willingness to live life to the full. I believe that Ellis’ words softened the tragedy of the loss of such a short life, helping those who heard it to remember a young man, loved by many, who relished every minute and opportunity of his life on earth. He was just a few months older than me, an embodiment and an example of living life with a smile, totally captured by the poignancy and morality of ”the Dash”.
I heard this poem at my friends funeral last week. I loved it. It just totally resonates. Why wait until death though. My son is turning 21 tomorrow, and I hope to find the poem so that i may read it to the 100 guests. It’s a great poem for life. Thanks
We had my Uncle’s funeral this morning. I have never heard the poem The Dash before. One of his friends recited it by memory. I don’t think there was one dry eye. That poem was amazing and I will always remember the first time hearing it. Thank you for writing that poem so many years ago.
Just attended the funeral of a young woman, who left her husband, family & friends much too early. The Dash poem was inside her memorial handed out.
Wow – I was blown away by the words and how true they are. I don’t think I’ve left enough in the dash.
Thank you!
My 19 year old cousin was killed in a car wreck Feb. 3, 2011. When the minister was up there speaking he read The Dash. I had never heard it before, but it touched me deeply. Thank you Linda for such wonderful words of inspiration.
About 8 years ago this poem was read at my great uncles funeral. I have since been attached to this poem forever. I have my favorite lines tattooed on my back, “And be less quick to anger, And show appreciation more, And love the people in our lives, Like we’ve never loved before.” I used to be an angry person, and these are the lines I currently live my life by everyday. I just lost my best friend in a motorcycle accident on Sept. 25th, 2010. He was my and all my friends role model; he truly had his life together at the age of 22, house, 3 cars, great family support, and a great friend to many. He lived his dash to the fullest, and I’m going love life and live my dash to the fullest everyday because its the harsh reality of life that we never know when its going to be over.
I have always liked this poem. A few months ago I lost my my youngest daughter at age 50. I do a lot of scrapbooking and thought that this poem was the perfect opening to a scrapbook I want to do in honor of my daughter. I want to start from the beginning of her life until the end and put as much of her “DASH” in the book that I can. I do need to get a copy of the poem so I can include it in the book. It is so great.
this poem was read at my mothers memorial service and it described my mother to the very heart of the whole poem, my mother was a very wonderful person
I had the dash placed in my program when I retired. Some asked me if I was dying and didn’t get it. I said we are all dying, then some got it and realized that me retiring was part of my dash, that line____________. Working in law enforcment, dealing with public safety is not an easy task. I had lost some of my peers from the stress, killed in the line of duty, who were not as forunate in making it to the great endeavor of retirement. I had the same poem placed in my mother’s eulogy when she passed away.
Being that me and my half brothers and a sister were all estranged, it made them think. Family is important and how we live does matter, appreciate, validate and communicate with those who have made that difference in your lives. Be kind to everyone and remain gracious to those who are not as kind to you.
I heard “The Dash” at a memorial for a young mother who died suddenly, leaving behind her young son. I was mesmerized by the words. My cousin died this week and my husband read the poem at his funeral service. No finer words said…..thank you!