The Dash

I'm sure that you have heard this before, but it is still a wonderful reminder about how to live our life.

 got it here.
The Dash
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 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 love 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 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 read
With your life’s actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Blessings,

8 comments:

NanaDiana said...

I bit my teeth on poetry and I remember this one well. I hope my dash is a good one! I'm betting there is a whole blog world that has never heard this! xo Diana

Nancy said...

Oh...that's fabulous, Holly! Thanks so much for sharing it!...Nancy :o)

The French Hutch said...

Hi Holly, this is one to try to remember as we go though our daily lives. I have read this before and I'm going to copy and keep. Thanks for sharing.
Happy Spring….

~Emily
The French Hutch

Linda M. said...

Good morning Holly, Thanks for sharing this poem it's a good reminder. Have a wonderful day! Joyous Wishes, Linda

Daniella said...

I do remember reading this poem, but it was long ago. I am so happy that you posted it, to tell us what's important!!
xxDaniella

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Holly,
I love this poem and I'm happy to read it again! I pray that my dash is a blessing to all who know me.
Thank you for your visit and your nice comment. Hope you're having a sweet day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Anonymous said...

that's an awesome photo - and I love the concept of the dash - hadn't read the poem in a long time - was good to read it again, thanks

Anonymous said...

Really love this - meditating on dashes today - don't I just love to use them in my writing - alluding to a dramatic pause or a moment to infer some sort of depth to the meaning of what came before it. Selah!

Joy!
Kathy

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