Linda Ellis Author, Poet Million Selling Author of "The Dash"
"The Dash poems have inspired millions.
They have changed lives, but none more than my own."
~Linda Ellis
*NEW* THE DASH BETWEEN by Linda Ellis
The Dash Between by Linda Ellis
There are two important dates
around the life that we live
that reflect the time we're given
to laugh, to love, to live.
And between the date when we arrive
and the date we go away,
there exists a horizontal line
that captures every single day.
XXXX - XXXX
Because these days we're living
seem to vanish in a flash,
we need to make the most of
that special little dash.
We are blessed with opportunities
as we tread the grounds of earth
to build the loving legacy
our own dash will be worth.
To focus on what matters,
not on possessions owned or bought,
and smile every chance we get,
and love with all we've got.
To appreciate the here and now
as each moment will unfold
because we're never told beforehand
how much time our dash will hold
So, if you need to make some changes,
let this be the day you start
to make a difference with your life,
show the love that’s in your heart.
For how you spend this life
will someday be defined
by everything that is remembered
in the dash you leave behind.
Copyright 2024 by Linda Ellis
This poem (THE DASH BETWEEN) is free to use for recitation purposes.
Printing and distribution requires (one-time or annual) licensing fee.
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Live Your Dash
I wrote this poem years after writing the original "The Dash" poem.
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.
This poem (LIVE YOUR DASH) is free to download for recitation purposes.
Printing and distribution requires (one-time or annual) licensing fee.
LIVE YOUR DASH
by Linda Ellis © 2014
The line etched into a headstone
between the dates of birth and death
represents each step we take on earth
and every single breath.
For many, it’s just a hyphen
marking time between the years,
but in that little dash is a lifetime
of laughter, love and tears.
We each create the legacy
our dash will someday represent,
and decide if the life we’re given
is truly lived…or merely spent.
Some deem themselves successful
if they can spend in large amounts,
but how you spend your only dash
is all that really counts.
Time steals our days and hours
before we recognize the theft
and we live each day not knowing
how much of our dash is left.
Responsibilities of daily life --
the bills, the job, the cash
affect the way we choose to use
this important little dash.
Memories in the making
are happening now,
and happening here.
So take the time
to make the time,
before they disappear.
This is it. This is the show
with no time to rehearse.
Minutes move only forward --
never, ever in reverse.
So, don’t spend this time in sorrow
or with bitterness and fear.
The future may be uncertain,
but right now, your dash is here.
This poem (LIVE YOUR DASH) is free to use for recitation purposes.
Reprinting and distribution requires (one-time or annual) licensing fee.
Contact Us Below for Licensing Fee Information
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