We wanted to create a community for those who find catharsis in telling their loved ones' life stories. Remember that your dash is still in the making, and you have the chance to control your story-now. When loss occurs, it's hard to see meaning in life. These are questions and thoughts that many people have during or around a funeral. It's easy to see where this poem's explosive popularity originates. There is no second chance, so it's important to remember to live life to the fullest.Īt the end of 'The Dash,' these questions are asked of the reader in the form of a challenge: 'would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent your dash?' (35-36). It's also a warning not to squander the time we have in life. There are no guarantees that anyone will live to retirement age, or have enough time for that one last apology. In spite of that inevitability, there are opportunities to make the most of life. Ellis reminds us that death is inevitable, and it can come at any time. The 'Dash' is effectively a big carpe diem to readers. The speaker urges the reader to remember to show appreciation, respect and love as readily as possible, 'remembering that this special dash might only last a little while' (31-32). Would I be satisfied with my legacy on earth if I were to die tomorrow?.When confronted with grief, and the threat of your own demise, difficult questions arise: Doing activities that you enjoy, going on adventures and spending time with family and friends, are what really matter at the end of your life. It's not about 'how much we own, the cars.the house.the cash' (13-14). That dash represents the time we spend doing what we love in life. Ultimately, what really matters is compressed into one tiny line. The line between a person's birth and death dates on their tombstone represents the entire life they lived. He noted that first came the date of birthĪnd spoke of the following date with tears, This eulogist offers a funeral congregation wisdom on matters of life and death: 'The Dash' is written in first-person by a speaker who 'read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend' (Lines 1-2). Today we are exploring Linda Ellis' death positive poem-'The Dash.' 'The Dash' has become a memorial service staple that thousands of families recite each year when burying their dead. The 36 lines have since come to comprise a most beloved modern funeral poem. Linda Ellis wrote 'The Dash' in one afternoon in 1996. The poem can inspire the reader to live more intentionally and to focus on what truly matters in life.Carpe diem means 'seize the day' - are you making the most of your dash? (Shutterstock)ĭid you know Beyond the Dash's name is a literary reference? It encourages the reader to reflect on the way they live their own life and to consider the ways they can make a positive impact on the world around them. The poem can serve as a reminder to celebrate the joys and accomplishments of the deceased, while also reflecting on the lessons they taught us and the impact they had on our lives.Īlternatively, the poem can be enjoyed as a philosophical reflection on the nature of life and the importance of living a meaningful existence. It can be personalized by reflecting on the life and legacy of the deceased and how they spent their dash.

The poem can be used for a funeral as it highlights the importance of a life well-lived and the legacy we leave behind. The poem encourages the reader to reflect on their life and how they can make the most of the time they have.

The poem suggests that what matters most is not the material possessions we accumulate, but rather how we live and love, and how we spend our time on earth. The poem 'The Dash' by Linda Ellis is a reflection on the importance of how we live our lives, as represented by the dash between the dates of our birth and death on a tombstone. Would you be proud of the things they say He noted that first came her date of her birthįor you never know how much time is left,

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

Linda ellis the dash poem