Touched by THE DASH
Have you been touched by The Dash?
This is the place to share your story about how The Dash poem has played a part in your life, or the life of someone you know. Scroll down to read stories and and share how you’ve been touched by The Dash.
The Dash’s “Dash”
I’ve used the term “The Dash’s Dash” because this creation, this unique combination of 241 words, has literally created a life, and therefore a dash, of its own. Its “birth” occurred in 1996 when I wrote the poem, and yet the date of its demise will never be a reality. Its own life is infinite, its legacy carved in stone, and it will live on long after the footprints its creator has left on earth have faded. I’ve come to humbly realize that somewhere inside these simple stanzas lies the mystery and complexity of life. Its rhythmic message subconsciously forces the reader to be suddenly, keenly aware the brevity of it all. It has touched more lives than anyone could ever imagine or calculate, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
I compare it to a seed I’d planted many years ago, which quickly sprouted and 
continues to grow exponentially being constantly cultivated by the millions of souls inspired by its message. It’s unfathomable to me the number of loving legacies, rerouted journeys, smiles worn and tears shed as a result of my writing this work.
The Dash poem continues touching lives
and touching hearts around the world!
As a rational person who requires tangible evidence to sway my opinion, I must admit I’ve come to believe in, and accept, the concept that this poem has a unique purpose and a reason for its creation and existence. Maybe propelled by a higher power or force of nature, or maybe just sheer coincidence, but how else can one explain its profound effect on the world having been originated by one woman without the wherewithal or resources at the time to launch such an explosive inspiration into the world? I was busy living my own dash, while the poem was out working its magic. It took me many years, and countless stories of this inspiration reaching the lives of those who need it, when they need it, to truly believe in its power. Though still bewildered, I no longer doubt its abilities.
I was complimented in an interview recently, where the gentleman said in reference to the more than 300,000 “The Dash” products sold, “it’s very impressive where you’ve taken The Dash poem.” I replied, “it’s more impressive where The Dash poem has taken me…”
- Linda Ellis
Share your story
Watch C-SPAN video of Bob Dole reciting The Dash poem during a speech
Read about American Idol Winner David Cook and how he’s been Touched by The Dash
Just wanted to say thank you for this beautiful poem. My 8 year old son read the first four verses and I read the rest at the funeral of his grandma (my mother in law) yesterday- June 14 2013. She has fought a courageous battle with lung cancer, never complaining. Always smiling for her grandchildren. Marcelle, rest in peace. We all love you very much. We are honoured to be a part of your family. xo
Laura, so sorry for your loss.
R.I.P. Marcelle…you lived your dash well. ~Linda
This poem was read in my fourth substance abuse treatment facility I was in and at that time I was on deaths door. I heard this and I didn’t have a DASH at the age of 37. Today I have a DASH due to this poem. I am now a mother of the most amazing 14 year old son which taught me how to love unconditionally, clean off every substance, own my own business, a proud member of Narcotics Anonymous,substance abuse counselor and only need 3 classes left to achieve my Bachelors in (Business, Health Administration and Human Services), graduating in May 2014. I now have a DASH that I would be proud of! Thank you
I believe that had heard the poem before, but it wasn’t until it was read at my 17 year old great-nephew’s funeral that it spoke to my life. Tuesday, 5/7/13, my great-nephew, Ryan, was killed in a car crash. He was only 17, but had lived his “dash” more than most will in a 80+ year life. He was a quiet, young man. words were not needed often because his actions spoke loudly. He was well mannered, helpful, smart, knew who he was and where he wanted to go in life. He was a junior vol. fire/rescue fighter in his small town, with plans to attend fire- school after his senior year. The 800 people that attended his memorial, the procession of fire trucks and other rescue vehicles, from surrounding counties, the school and community support, and the extremely large number at his funeral, is a testimony to how Ryan lived his “dash”. his parents, sister, family, friends, & community are still living their “dash” without him in it, but I believe that having known him will influence all of our “dashes” and hopeful inspire us all to live life to its fullest.
This lovely poem was read at my sons funeral who died very suddenly in March, very moving.I had heard it at another young mans funeral, and it was just ‘words’ but hearing it at my Peters funeral made it more real, so thank you to the author.xx
MY BELOVED SON PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 37 DUE TO CANCER ON JULY 2 2012, AND THE PASTOR READ THE DASH POEM AT HIS SERVICE. IT TOUCHED US ALL SO VERY MUCH MY STEPDAUGHTER BOUGHT ME THE POEM FRAMED IT IS JUST SO MEANINGFUL. I AM ALSO MAKING A MEMORY BOOK OF MY SONS LIFE AND IT IS MOST DEFINITELY WILL GO IN THE BOOK
I was at a memorial service today for a very dear friend when her grandson{a clergyman] read “The Dash”. I was so moved by this poem. Alma was like a mother to me. I was her hair stylist- friend for 30 yrs. We shared a lot in those yrs. many dash’s. She will be missed but forever in my heart. I will be forever grateful for the times we shared. I will be passing “The Dash” on to my friends. I Also, I read this to my 16 yr. old grand-daughter and her friend. xoxoxo
My Mother read ‘The Dash’ today at a funeral that we attended. It was the first time that I’d heard the poem, and I came and sought it out afterwards because I was that touched, I wanted to know more. I’ve bought us both a copy of your book from Amazon, to remind us in the future of the message of the ‘dash.’ It’s so easy to be touched now, and forget later.
Thank You.
In July 2012 my family went from Philadelphia to kentucky to see my older brother who was sick in the hospital. My younger brother and father followed us by 6 hours. When they were late in coming we began to worry. They were killed when a car crossed the median and hit them head on. Since then our lives have never been the same. My brother in law read this poem at their funeral. I cant begin to tell you how much these words mean.See my brother was only 40 and how so much more to do.My father was 87 and had done so much in his life but had so much life still in him. What the poem did was help me see that both their lives were so well spent in the act of giving and loving and all who knew them were the better for it. thank you for helping me begin to heal
I am a teacher and librarian at a high school. In preparation for monthly speakers, happenings and meaningful literature that students/staff can present during Women’s History and/or Poetry Month, I chose this beautiful, timely poem. There are so many of us of various ages to whom this poem has meaning-my son was recently killed; my daugther shared it with me over the phone. I have shared these comforting words that Linda Ellis wrote to others. Although the pain of our loss remains, somehow that “dash” is the most powerful, little word full of one vicariously living through another’s memories. Thank you and God Bless. ToniLee
I read “The Dash” in school a couple of years ago. We all got a paper with the poem printed on it to keep. I assume most of my peers threw their copy away but I kept mine. It soon got put in a box and left there until now. I’ve been in a dark place for the past year and have been wanting a change so I was going through all my stuff trying to get rid of whatever I could. Sitting down in front of my bookshelf I opened a box that I kept painting supplies in. It was mainly just doodles and watercolors but then I saw it. “The Dash”. I remembered it from school and I started to cry. Through my tears I read it. At the end of the poem, I set it down and cried some more. I no longer wanted to kill myself. I didn’t want to cut myself anymore. I wanted to live a long, happy life. I searched Linda Ellis online and happened onto this website. Scrolling down the page something caught my eye. “1996 when I wrote the poem,” 1996 is the year I was born. For some reason I believe I was meant to read “The Dash” tonight. I think it saved my life. Thank you so much.
I read the poem for the first time at a funeral for a family member on 7/30/12. Since that day I have joined an affinity group at work (Leadership group for Woman) and I’m seeking ways to give back to my community and join some kind of group to “be involved.” I mean it makes you think. One day we will all pass away, and what will be said about us? If there is nothing to say on what you did with your life, then apparently you are not doing anything with your Dash! I love this amazing poem and how it has changed the way I think and the way it has made me want to make changes in my life!