[Vision2020] The Dash Poem

[Tom Hansen]

The Dash Poem

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 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 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?

——————————————

Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.net

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

“A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”
- Roy E. Stolworthy
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