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 the tombstone
From the beginning…to the end
He noted that first came the 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 they spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved them
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 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?
Summary of The Dash
Linda Ellis’s “The Dash” is a deeply moving reflection on life, death, and what truly gives a life meaning. The poem centers around a poignant observation at a friend’s funeral—the dates on a tombstone mark birth and death, but it’s the “dash” between those dates—the years of lived experience—that truly define a life. The poem powerfully argues that material possessions pale in comparison to the impact we have on others and the love we share. It’s a compelling call to live intentionally, prioritizing kindness, respect, and appreciation for the present moment. The enduring message of “The Dash” is a simple, yet profound reminder to make every moment count and to live a life worthy of remembrance.
Central Idea and Noteworthy Knowledge
The central idea of “The Dash” is that a person’s life is not measured by wealth or possessions, but by the quality of their relationships, the kindness they demonstrate, and the positive impact they have on the lives of others. It is a powerful message about prioritizing meaningful connections over material accumulation. “The Dash” gained widespread popularity due to its relatable message and ability to prompt introspection about one’s own life and values. It’s frequently shared as a reminder to live a life of purpose and meaning, leaving a positive legacy behind. The poem’s simplicity and universality contribute to its lasting appeal, resonating with people from all walks of life.
In-Depth Analysis of “The Dash”
Understanding the Power of the “Dash”
The poem’s central metaphor, the dash between the birth and death dates, is remarkably effective. Ellis doesn’t merely present the dash as a gap in time; she transforms it into a representation of life itself. Consider the line, “For that dash represents all the time / That they spent alive on earth.” This isn’t simply about chronology; it’s about the experiences, relationships, and contributions that fill those years. The “little line” becomes symbolic of everything that truly matters. The poet cleverly uses this simple punctuation mark to represent the entirety of a human existence, compelling the reader to contemplate what genuinely gives life meaning.
Shifting Focus from Material Wealth
Ellis deliberately contrasts the significance of the dash with the superficiality of material possessions. Lines like, “For it matters not, how much we own, / The cars…the house…the cash,” serve to diminish the importance of wealth and emphasize the enduring value of human connection. The ellipsis (…) after each possession creates a sense of emptiness, highlighting the inadequacy of material things to fill the void of a life lived without purpose. The poet doesn’t argue against prosperity, but suggests that it’s not the defining measure of a life well lived. True wealth, according to the poem, lies in how we “live and love,” and how we “spend our dash.”
The Call to Introspection and Change
The poem doesn’t simply present a philosophical observation; it issues a direct challenge to the reader. The lines “So, think about this long and hard. / Are there things you’d like to change?” are a powerful call to self-reflection. The use of the question invites the reader to examine their own life choices and consider how they are spending their own “dash.” The sense of urgency is amplified by the line “For you never know how much time is left / That can still be rearranged,” which reminds us of the precious and fleeting nature of life. This isn’t a passive contemplation, but an active invitation to reevaluate priorities.
Emphasizing Empathy and Kindness
The second half of the poem delves into specific qualities that define a meaningful life, particularly empathy and kindness. Lines like, “If we could just slow down enough / To consider what’s true and real / And always try to understand / The way other people feel,” highlight the importance of compassion and genuine connection. The poem suggests that a life filled with empathy and understanding is a life well lived, and that these qualities are essential to leaving a positive legacy. The plea to “be less quick to anger / And show appreciation more” offers concrete actions readers can take to improve their relationships and make a difference in the lives of others. These are small, achievable steps toward a more fulfilling existence.
The Power of a Lasting Legacy
The poem concludes with a poignant image: the reading of the eulogy. The question, “Would you be proud of the things they say / About how you spent YOUR dash?” serves as a powerful reminder that our actions have consequences and that we will be remembered for how we lived our lives. The final lines aren’t about achieving fame or fortune, but about leaving a positive impact on the world and being remembered with love and respect. It underscores the importance of living a life that aligns with our values and making a meaningful contribution to the lives of others. This final thought lingers, encouraging a life of purpose and intention.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “The Dash”
Imagery
Ellis utilizes vivid imagery throughout the poem to enhance its emotional impact. For instance, the image of the tombstone and the “dash” itself creates a powerful visual representation of life and death. Phrases like “slow down enough” and “wear a smile” evoke sensory experiences, helping readers connect with the poem’s message on a deeper level. This imagery makes the abstract concepts of life and legacy more tangible.
Repetition and Parallelism
The repetition of phrases and the use of parallel structure contribute to the poem’s rhythm and emphasis. For example, the repeated use of “If we…” in the second half of the poem creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the poem’s call to action. This repetition also creates a lyrical quality, making the poem more memorable.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The central metaphor of the “dash” is the poem’s most significant device. It transcends its literal meaning as punctuation and becomes a symbol of life, experience, and the choices we make. The poem also employs symbolism through images like the tombstone, representing mortality and the passing of time. The skillful use of these devices adds depth and resonance to the poem’s message.
Enjambment
The use of enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—creates a sense of flow and momentum. It also draws the reader’s attention to certain words or phrases, emphasizing their importance. For example, the lines:
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what’s true and real
The thought is not complete until the second line is read, creating a sense of anticipation and encouraging the reader to continue. This technique mirrors the unfolding of life itself.
Diction and Tone
The poem employs simple, accessible language, contributing to its widespread appeal. The tone is reflective and compassionate, encouraging readers to contemplate their own lives and make positive changes. While the subject matter deals with mortality, the poem maintains a hopeful and uplifting tone. This balance creates a powerful and moving reading experience.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are useful to quote to stress the idea of treating others well.
If we treat each other with respect
And more often wear a smile,
Remembering this special dash
Might only last a little while
This quote encapsulates the poem’s central message: to prioritize kindness, respect, and connection in our lives, recognizing the precious and fleeting nature of time. It’s a powerful reminder to live fully and intentionally.