How do you live your dash?
 

This is not my poem. My grandmother, whom I was extremely close with passed last Thursday, a day after turning 85, and at the funeral today, this poem was read aloud. It made me go nuts, and I really loved it, so I just wanted to share it with you all.

I don't know the author's name either.. Sorry for not being able to give credit. :(


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 her date of birth
And spoke 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,
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'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?

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. Thought I was gonna lose mine for the last two weeks, so I can't imagine how you must feel.

Great poem, by the way.

My condolences. I have never felt much sadness by the death of anyone in my family for many years, but my grandmother would be my exception.

Like Raziel said, nice poem. I have also read it somewhere. It is weird you know the poem, but not the author.

Wow I feel you on that man my grandmother died 4 years ago and she was basically a best friend.

Heh... I'm glad to hear people actually like this poem somewhat, and thanks for the generous words..