
The Dash poem tells us that in the journey of life, there’s a simple yet profound lesson captured in a story about a man at a funeral.
He spoke of birth, death, and dates on a tombstone, but what truly mattered, he said, was the dash in between.
That dash in the dash poem symbolizes the time we spend alive, our experiences, and how we choose to live.
So, let’s ponder for a moment, consider the essence of our dash, and reflect on how we’re shaping the story of our lives.
The Dash
Written By Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on his casket from beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of his 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 he spent alive on earth,
And now, only those who loved him 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 would 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 is 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 have 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 your spent your dash?
About The Poet Linda Ellis
Linda Ellis is the talented and insightful poet behind the powerful and thought-provoking verses you just read.
She was Born on August 11, 1962, in Tennessee, she has become well-known for her ability to capture life’s essence in simple yet profound words.
Growing up in the small town of Paris, Tennessee, Linda developed a passion for poetry and a keen appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments.
Her writing often reflects a deep understanding of human emotions and the importance of living a meaningful life.
Linda gained widespread recognition for her most famous poem, “The Dash.” This heartfelt piece encourages us to reflect on the significance of the dash. The time between our birth and our passing.
Through her eloquent and relatable words, she implores readers to consider the impact they make during this precious time on Earth.
Beyond her work as a poet, Linda Ellis is also a speaker and entrepreneur. Her words have resonated with people around the world, inspiring them to contemplate the true meaning of life and the legacy they leave behind.
Linda’s ability to convey profound messages in a simple and accessible manner has touched the hearts of many, making her a beloved figure in the world of inspirational literature.
Poem Analysis
This poem reflects on the significance of a person’s life, focusing on the dash between the birth and death dates on a tombstone.
The speaker emphasizes that the dash represents the entire span of a person’s existence on Earth.
The poet suggests that material possessions like cars, houses, and money are not as important as how we live and love during our time on Earth.
The central message is about the value of our actions, relationships, and how we spend our lives.
Now let’s break down the poem into simple and easy-to-understand terms:
Introduction:
A man is speaking at a friend’s funeral.
He looks at the dates on the tombstone—birth and death.
The Dash:
The man emphasizes the “dash” between the birth and death dates.
The dash represents the time the person spent alive.
Importance of the Dash:
The man says what matters most is the time spent alive, not just the birth and death dates. Only those who loved the person know the value of that little line.
Material Possessions:
It doesn’t matter how much money, cars, or houses we have. What matters is how we live, love, and spend our time.
Reflection:
The speaker encourages reflection on life. We need to think about changes we’d like to make because time is uncertain.
Slowing Down:
It suggests slowing down in life to consider what’s true and real.
Encourages understanding of how others feel.
Attitude and emotions:
Advises being less quick to anger. Encourages showing appreciation and love more often.
Respect and smiles:
Recommends treating others with respect. Suggests wearing a smile more often.
Cherishing Moments:
Urges love people like never before. It reminds us that life is short, so cherish every moment.
Conclusion:
Asks you to consider how you want to be remembered. Encourages living a life that makes you proud when others speak about you.
In summary, the poem is a reflection on the importance of the time we spend alive and how we should prioritize love, understanding, and positive actions in our lives.
It encourages a thoughtful and appreciative approach to our relationships and the way we live.
The poem encourages readers to reflect on their lives, consider changes they might want to make, and appreciate the limited time they have.
It emphasizes the importance of understanding others, controlling anger, and expressing gratitude. The idea of slowing down and appreciating the true and real aspects of life is highlighted.
The poem advocates for a more positive and loving approach to relationships, urging readers to smile more and cherish their loved ones.
The speaker suggests that wearing a smile, showing respect, and expressing love can make a significant difference in how our lives are remembered.
The recurring theme is to be mindful of the impact we have on others and to make the most of the time represented by our own “dash.”
In the end, the poem prompts readers to consider the legacy they are creating and whether they would be proud of the way they spent their “dash” when their life is being remembered in a eulogy.
This is all about the Dash Poem.