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The Dash
I recently read a poem about that 'Dash' between the date of birth and death on a tombstone. It was really inpiring and, well, awesome. It's about life and I wanted to share it with other people because it's one of those books you look at the cover and go " Oh well this'll be crap." and set it back down an the bookshelf. This is it;
'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 her tombstone
from the beginning...to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth
and spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all...
Was the dash between those years.
For that dash representedall the time
That she spent on earth
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
Foer 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 are 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...
Remebering 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?
I absolutely love this poem. It gave me a new perspective on things .
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