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    • The Dash Poem
    • Poems & Essays
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    • Books by Linda Ellis
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  • The Dash Poem
  • Poems & Essays
  • Inspirational Speaking
  • Books by Linda Ellis
  • About

Linda Ellis
Author, Speaker, Poet

Linda Ellis Author, Speaker, Poet Linda Ellis Author, Speaker, Poet Linda Ellis Author, Speaker, Poet

Author of "The Dash" and more! ONE MILLION + sold!

Author of "The Dash" and more! ONE MILLION + sold! Author of "The Dash" and more! ONE MILLION + sold!
Read Linda's Inspirations! (Contact us for Licensing)
Books by Linda Ellis
Books by Linda Ellis
To Honor a Senator's Dash, Linda's Work was Recited Live to the President of the United States and Distinguished Guests. Click here to watch it!
Linda writes custom poems! Click here to check out this poem written for CEO, Lindsley Ruth!

The Dash Poem by Linda Ellis

Linda’s inspirations have been featured in thousands of books, major publications, and tv and radio! Linda’s book, "The Dash" has sold more than one million copies. Fans of her work include Senator Bob Dole, Author James Van Praagh, Entertainment's Robin Leach, American Idol Winner David Cook, and SO many more!

 More than 60 million visited the inspirational movie of her poem, “The Dash!” 


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 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 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?

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