This past Sunday, I heard someone
mention this poem...
"The Dash"
....I checked it out and I found that
it gave me much to think about.
it gave me much to think about.
Many of you may
have heard of this poem before, but for
those that have not, I would love
to share it with you....
The Dash Poem, by Linda Ellis
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 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
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 spend your dash!
important isn't it?
Wow,that about says it perfectly.Most of the time when we look back at our deceased loved ones,we feel that the dash was much too short.
ReplyDeleteI have read this and it is beautiful. We have to live while we have the gift of life. sandie
ReplyDeleteMakes you think doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThis has always been one of my favorite and I'm glad you posted it. I think i will copy it, I have lost mine!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful poem and so true- it matters not the birth or death, but how we lived our lives in between the dates.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about the dash alot lately. Great poem. Thank you for sharing it, Shug. blessings ~ tanna
ReplyDeleteYes, I love this poem too! I am too often "DASHING" and need a slow dash - would that be a drawl? How quickly our lives pass and each of us decides what the dash is. How wonderful that we can all be unique!
ReplyDeleteHi Shug!
ReplyDeleteI love that poem, sure does make you think!
Hugs,
Barb
This is so true! Thank you for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susie
a great poem..and perspective on life!
ReplyDelete