Poem Appreciation: The Dash

“The Dash” is a powerful and widely beloved poem written by Linda Ellis in 1996. The poem reflects on the significance of the “dash” that appears between the birth and death dates on a person’s gravestone. Rather than focusing on the dates themselves, Ellis encourages readers to reflect on how they lived during the time represented by that dash. By emphasizing the importance of how we spend our time, The Dash has become a source of inspiration for people seeking to live more meaningful, purpose-driven lives.

In this article, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and emotional impact of The Dash, and examine why it continues to resonate with readers across the world.

Table of Contents

The Poem: The Dash

Here is an excerpt from The Dash:

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 loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

…
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?

1. Theme of the Poem

The central theme of The Dash is about living a meaningful life. It urges readers to think about how they use the time between their birth and death, symbolized by the dash on their tombstone. The poem emphasizes that it’s not the length of life that matters, but how we live during that time—how we treat others, the relationships we build, and the legacy we leave behind.

Key Themes:

The Importance of Time: The poem reminds us that time is fleeting and that how we choose to spend it is what matters most. It encourages readers to reflect on whether they are using their time wisely and living in a way that aligns with their values.
Legacy and Impact: The Dash addresses the idea that our legacy is not defined by material possessions or achievements, but by how we make others feel and the positive impact we have on the world. It challenges us to leave behind something meaningful based on our actions and relationships.

Self-Reflection: The poem acts as a call for self-reflection, prompting readers to think about how they are living their lives. It asks us to consider whether we are living in a way that brings us inner peace and pride when we reflect on how we spent our “dash.”

2. Tone and Mood

The tone of The Dash is reflective and thought-provoking. Ellis writes in a way that gently encourages the reader to pause and think about their life choices without being overly sentimental or preachy. The tone is also somewhat sobering, as it reminds us of the inevitability of death, but it is ultimately uplifting in that it inspires us to live with intention and purpose.

The mood of the poem is introspective and motivational. As readers, we are invited to reflect on our lives and think about the impact we are making. The poem creates a mood of quiet contemplation, but also a sense of urgency to live better and to focus on what truly matters—love, kindness, and the ways we contribute to the happiness of others.

3. Structure and Language

The Dash is written in free verse, with no fixed rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a conversational and accessible tone. The poem’s straightforward language allows its message to be easily understood by readers of all backgrounds. Its simplicity is part of its power, as the language doesn’t distract from the core message—it enhances it.

Language and Imagery:

Ellis uses the dash as a central metaphor in the poem, representing the time between birth and death. This small punctuation mark is a powerful symbol of the entirety of a person’s life, illustrating that it’s not the dates themselves that matter, but what happens in between.

The poem also uses common imagery that is accessible to a wide audience, such as funerals, tombstones, and eulogies. These familiar images make the reader reflect on mortality, but also on how they want to be remembered.

Key Lines:

“But he said what mattered most of all / Was the dash between those years.”
This line encapsulates the primary message of the poem. It’s not the birth or death date that defines a person, but the way they lived in between those two moments.
“For that dash represents all the time / That she spent alive on earth.”
This line highlights the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have.
“Would you be proud of the things they say / About how you spent your dash?”
These closing lines challenge the reader to consider how they are living and whether they would be content with how their life is remembered.

4. Symbolism in the Poem

The dash itself is the poem’s central symbol. It represents the entirety of a person’s life and serves as a reminder that life is fleeting. Though small and seemingly insignificant on a tombstone, the dash holds immeasurable value because it represents everything a person has done, felt, and experienced between birth and death.

The Dash as a Symbol of Life’s Choices: The dash symbolizes the choices we make in life—how we treat others, how we spend our time, and how we prioritize our relationships and goals. This small line represents the vast sum of our actions and decisions, suggesting that every moment counts.
Tombstone and Eulogy: The imagery of a tombstone and the mention of a eulogy offer a reflection on legacy and mortality. These symbols remind us that life is not infinite, and that one day, others will reflect on how we lived. The eulogy represents the summary of our life’s actions and the impact we leave behind.

5. Emotional and Philosophical Impact

The emotional impact of The Dash lies in its ability to make readers pause and reflect on their lives. It prompts us to think about how we are living and whether we are making the most of the time we have. The poem encourages readers to focus on the things that truly matter—relationships, kindness, and the positive difference we can make in the world.

Philosophically, the poem aligns with concepts of existentialism and stoicism—both of which emphasize the importance of how we live in the present moment. The Dash invites readers to take control of their actions and align their lives with their values, knowing that material success or outward appearances are not what will be remembered most.

For many readers, the poem’s message is an important reminder to live with purpose and intentionality. It encourages us to consider whether we are living in a way that brings fulfillment, not just to ourselves, but to those around us.

6. Why the Poem Resonates Today

The Dash continues to resonate with readers because it addresses a universal human concern—how to live a meaningful life. In a world where we are often caught up in the pursuit of success, wealth, or material achievements, the poem serves as a gentle reminder that what truly matters is how we treat others and how we spend our time.

Reasons for Its Ongoing Popularity:

Universal Message: The poem’s message of living a meaningful life is timeless and universally relatable. Regardless of one’s background or beliefs, the idea of using the time we have wisely resonates with everyone.
Simplicity and Accessibility: The language of the poem is straightforward, making it easy to understand and appreciate. Its simplicity allows the message to shine through without being diluted by complex metaphors or obscure references.

Inspirational and Motivational: The poem acts as a call to action, urging readers to reflect on their lives and strive to live in a way that brings them pride and fulfillment. It offers both a challenge and an inspiration to live better and more intentionally.

Conclusion

The Dash by Linda Ellis is a deeply reflective and thought-provoking poem that encourages readers to consider how they are spending their lives. Through its simple yet powerful imagery of the dash on a tombstone, the poem reminds us that it’s not the beginning or the end that matters, but how we live in between. The poem’s universal message of living with purpose, love, and intention continues to resonate with readers, offering both comfort and motivation to live a life that truly matters.

Whether encountered in a personal reflection or shared at a memorial service, The Dash serves as a lasting reminder that every moment counts, and that we have the power to shape our legacy through the choices we make each day.