I read of a man who stood to speak
The Dash Poem (By Linda Ellis)
At the 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 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 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 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’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering 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?
This poem was read at the Celebration of Life yesterday for our friend and loved one, Antonella (Toni). The poem does call us to think about how we want to live out all of our years in between those two significant dates of birth and death. I remember her smile, that grin which sometimes had that mischievous look. I am grateful to have received the gift of knowing you. You will be missed, my friend! 😢
Here is a link to a recording of the author reading the poem.
6 Comments
Faye White
Wonderful poem, wonderful way to remember someone. How we spend our dash – you’ve given me something to think about.
My condolences on the loss of your friend. May the good memories keep him close.
Monte Stevens
Thank you, Faye. You know all about the loss of loved ones and friends and the grief we will go through. I’ve already dealt with the shoulda-oughta-must thoughts that raced through my mind. However, I have been able to stay in a place of gratitude for the gift she is. Love you, my friend!
Faye White
My apologies for referring to your friend as ‘him’. I read too quickly and turned Toni into Tony. So very sorry. 😪
Monte Stevens
No problem, my friend. I realize how easy that is. Hoping you are enjoying your day. Hugs!
Geri Oster
The Blue Flax is my favorite flower, I think, Monte. It’s delicateness and JOY so beautifully captured in this print moves my soul with gratitude. May the Love and Joy shared with your dear friend, Toni, be a true comfort for you as you move forward in this life and Toni moves forward in her next. I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend, Monte. Love and Care.
Monte Stevens
The blue flax is one that catches my eye when in the meadows. They seem to call out to me among the green and brown grasses. These are along the trail that follows the Poudre River. Yes, the love and joy that Toni offered us even when her life was upside down, or there was pain and suffering, she smiled. Hoping you are having a wonderful Sunday!