The man says what matters most is the time spent alive, not just the birth and death dates. The dash represents the time the person spent alive. The man emphasizes the “dash” between the birth and death dates. He looks at the dates on the tombstone-birth and death. Now let’s break down the poem into simple and easy-to-understand terms: Introduction:Ī man is speaking at a friend’s funeral. The central message is about the value of our actions, relationships, and how we spend our lives. The poet suggests that material possessions like cars, houses, and money are not as important as how we live and love during our time on Earth. The speaker emphasizes that the dash represents the entire span of a person’s existence on Earth. This poem reflects on the significance of a person’s life, focusing on the dash between the birth and death dates on a tombstone. Linda’s ability to convey profound messages in a simple and accessible manner has touched the hearts of many, making her a beloved figure in the world of inspirational literature. Her words have resonated with people around the world, inspiring them to contemplate the true meaning of life and the legacy they leave behind. Through her eloquent and relatable words, she implores readers to consider the impact they make during this precious time on Earth.īeyond her work as a poet, Linda Ellis is also a speaker and entrepreneur. The time between our birth and our passing. Linda gained widespread recognition for her most famous poem, “The Dash.” This heartfelt piece encourages us to reflect on the significance of the dash.

Her writing often reflects a deep understanding of human emotions and the importance of living a meaningful life. Growing up in the small town of Paris, Tennessee, Linda developed a passion for poetry and a keen appreciation for the beauty found in everyday moments. She was Born on August 11, 1962, in Tennessee, she has become well-known for her ability to capture life’s essence in simple yet profound words. Linda Ellis is the talented and insightful poet behind the powerful and thought-provoking verses you just read. 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 your spent your dash? About The Poet Linda Ellis If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while. And be less quick to anger and show appreciation more And love the people in our lives like we have never loved before. If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and real And always try to understand the way other people feel. So think about this long and hard are there things you would like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged. 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. For that dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth, And now, only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.

He noted that first came the date of his birth, and spoke of the following date with tears, But he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. He referred to the dates on his casket from beginning to the end. I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend.

The dash on the tombstone poem