A Tribute Worn for Life
David Cook & The Dash
How a beloved poem became a permanent act of love — tattooed on the arm of an American Idol winner to honor his brother.
The Story
David Cook — the rock vocalist who captured America's heart on Season 7 of American Idol — carries Linda Ellis's poem The Dash with him everywhere he goes. Literally. A stanza from the poem is tattooed on his arm, a permanent tribute to his brother Adam, who passed away after a long battle with brain cancer.
Choosing to have the poem tattooed on his body was David's way of keeping his brother close. It was a declaration that Adam's dash — his life, his laughter, his love — would never be forgotten. Every time David performs, every time he steps on a stage, the words are there with him.
For Linda, learning that her poem had become such an intimate and enduring part of someone's grief and healing was profoundly moving. The Dash was written to remind people to live fully and love deeply — and in David Cook's tribute to his brother, that message found one of its most beautiful expressions.
David Cook's arm tattoo of The Dash — a permanent tribute to his brother Adam.
The Original Poem
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 first came the date of the birth
and spoke the following date with tears.
But he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between the years.
For that dash represents all the time
that they spent life 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?
www.LindaEllis.life
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