I reacquainted myself with The Dash recently. I went onto to Etsy to purchase Linda Ellis’ signed poem she penned in 1996.
This poem is a reminder about the small dash that connects the year of a person’s birth and the year of their death on a tombstone. The dash represents the time spent living and reminds us to ponder what we do with our lives while we’re living.
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 the tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted first came the date of the birth and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time that they spent life on Earth.
And now only those who loved them 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.
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 spent your dash?
Photo by Katie Azi on Unsplash
Your Dash
This year is a humble reminder of how precious life is. Consciously choosing how you’re living your life in the dash is a privilege for the living.
Living life looks different for everyone. The holiday season is an opportunity to consider your dash ❣️
I appreciate the opportunity to share information and resources with you all, thank you. You are a part of my dash.
Send me an Email or Message anytime! For additional information about my work check out my website @ The Living Planner or my online DIY information @ The Living Planner.
Sharing this quote from Terri Marshall “The Holiday Season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.”
Enjoy the holiday season 🎄 Lynn
#Can’tPredictCanPrepare