Read The Dash Poem
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
Absolutely loved this piece! Thank you for reminding me what is truly important
I am a Funeral Director and we have a wonderful Chaplain who has your poem memorized. I heard it for the first time and I had to look it up. How inspiring, it really makes you think.
Thank you
I read this at my dad’s funeral thank you so he lived a great dash
am having live your dash tattooed on my arm so I always remember to live my dash
Tracy, that’s awesome! Send us a pic and we’ll post it! Live Your Dash! ~Linda
Your poem was chosen by my daughter to be read at her funeral which was on the 24th of May when she passed away suddenly while undergoing chemo for colon cancer. She was 42 at the time and the poem was so apt as she really lived her dash. The freinds who were at the service were proof of her living life to the full for her family and freinds. Thank you
Thank you so very much Linda. Your beautiful thoughts on mortality have inspired a small circle of friends in Chattanooga to name our group “the Dashes”. Each time we meet we discuss the importance of living our dashes.
God Bless
I first heard a few stanzas of this poem read and discussed at a resident graduation program where the speaker urged us to rethink our Dash and what it will look like. I read the complete poem and can want to thank you Linda for penning it and sharing it with others.
I have read so many poems, I have written so many poems, about my country Uganda and suffering. but this is, I think the best poem I have ever read. I will live my dash well. I will help so many in Uganda live that dash well.
Thanks alot Linda Ellis. May you live to inspire the World forever, as you also live your dash to the best.
God bless you.