One of my favorite poems is called "The Dash" by Linda Ellis. Written shortly after her grandmother’s death, it’s an eloquent invocation to live one’s life thoughtfully...So, what on earth is a dash and why should it count?We are born and then we die. But what really matters is what happens in between. By making a conscious choice to live our lives with passion and purpose, we can leave our mark on the world by leaving it in a better place than we found it.
THE DASHby Linda EllisI read of a man who stood to speakAt the funeral of a friend.He referred to the dates on her tombstoneFrom the beginning…to the end.He noted that first came her date of birthAnd spoke the following date with tears,But he said what mattered most of allWas the dash between those years.For that dash represents all the timeThat she spent alive on earth…And now only those who loved herKnow 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 loveAnd 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 enoughTo consider what’s true and real,And always try to understandThe way other people feel.And be less quick to anger,And show appreciation moreAnd love the people in our livesLike we’ve never loved before.If we treat each other with respect,And more often wear a smile…Remembering that this special dashMight only last a little while.So, when your eulogy’s being readWith your life’s actions to rehash…Would you be proud of the things they sayAbout how you spent your dash?(Article submitted by Michelle James: 1961 dash ....)
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