The Dash Poem

In 1996, Linda Ellis wrote a poem that would transcend its modest beginnings to become a significant part of speeches, funerals, and personal reflections across the globe. “The Dash,” a simple, eloquent poem, has touched the hearts of millions with its powerful message about the importance of how we spend our lives.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend.  He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time they spent alive 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 lived and loved 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 still can be rearranged.

To 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 lived your dash?

Linda Ellis

Origins of “The Dash”

Linda Ellis wrote “The Dash” in one afternoon, inspired by a moment of reflection on a condolence card she received. The poem quickly spread from a single publication in a company newsletter to a worldwide phenomenon, carried by the power of the internet and word of mouth. The central theme of the poem is the metaphor of “the dash,” which represents the time between a person’s birth and death dates on a tombstone. This simple line, according to Ellis, holds all the moments, choices, and paths that define a person’s life.

Text and Analysis

The poem begins by considering the years that appear on a tombstone, suggesting that while the dates contain the lifespan, the dash between them represents what truly matters. It urges readers to consider how they live their days, imploring them to fill their dash with goodness and live a life of love and kindness. The core message is clear: our actions and choices are significant, and it is within our power to fill our lives with meaning.

Here is an excerpt for a deeper understanding:

He noted that first came the date of birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

The poet emphasizes that when our eulogies are read, it won’t be the wealth or success we’ve accumulated that will matter, but how we’ve treated others and what we’ve contributed to the world.

While the poem has been widely praised, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that it overly simplifies life’s complexity and the challenges people face. Critics claim that not everyone has the same opportunities to make choices that significantly impact their “dash,” and that structural inequalities often dictate the course of one’s life more than individual actions.

Despite these criticisms, many find that the poem’s simplicity is precisely what makes it so powerful and relatable. It strips away the complexities of life to focus on what truly matters—how people choose to live and love.

Educational and Therapeutic Use

Educators and therapists have used “The Dash” to encourage introspection and teach important life lessons. In schools, teachers have used the poem to inspire students to consider their legacy and the impact of their choices. In therapeutic settings, counselors have found it a useful tool to promote healing and help clients dealing with grief to find meaning and continuation in their lives.

Final Thoughts

“The Dash” poem encourages celebration of life rather than mourning of death. This perspective shift has allowed many to approach funerals and memorials with a sense of gratitude and celebration for what the deceased has accomplished and contributed during their dash.

As we reflect on “The Dash” and its message, it becomes clear why this poem has captivated so many. In a world often preoccupied with material success and the pursuit of wealth, Linda Ellis’s words serve as a gentle reminder of the true essences of life—love, kindness, and the relationships we build. It challenges us to fill our dashes with what genuinely matters, advocating a life lived with purpose and heart.