The Dash

Here's a little something I got from Jon Moore way back in the day. It's a little poem that gets you thinking without squashing your optimism. Wherever you are, whatever your aspirations, this poem is for you. Maybe you've traveled the globe, maybe you want to see the seven wonders of the world one day, or maybe you have no desire to ever leave the comfort of your hometown. Regardless of who you are and what you believe, just remember that you only have one shot on this planet as you, so make the most of it!

THE DASH

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 awhile.

So, when your eulogy is being read

with your life's actions to rehash...

would you be pleased with the things they say

about how you spent your dash?