The Dash

[Kothnok]

Heard this read at my aunt's funeral yesterday... felt like sharing it.

The Dash, by Linda Ellis

I read of a reverend who stood to speak
at the funeral of his 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 represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth ...
and now only those who loved her
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.
(You could be at "dash mid-range")

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's being read
with your life's actions to rehash …
would you be proud of the things they say
about how you spent your dash?

[Buzan]

My condolences Koth, there's nothing worse than loosing someone you love, either friends or family.

EDIT: Beautiful and moving poem.

[Air]

Sorry for your loss Koth.  Very touching poem to, thanks for sharing it with us.

[un4]

My condolences; if you need to talk things out, we're here for you.

[Jandris]

Great poem - thanks for sharing.
Sorry to hear of your loss.

[Threlin]

Beautiful poem, Koth. Thank you so much for sharing.

Please accept my sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your Aunt.

[Darkstar]

Losing a loved one is never an easy thing, I know that all too well.  My condolences koth, to you and your family.

The poem is too true for our lives, a mad dash to the finish line.  Thank you for sharing it.