The Dash

I've heard parts of this poem before and a certain *someone* just got the last stanza of this poem tattooed on his arm, so I figured I should check it out and I was touched. Perhaps this will give you some perspective on how you spend your OH-TEN.

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 beginning to the end.

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

For the 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.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash,
what matters most 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,
hat can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough,
to consider what is 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 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
and how your spent your dash?