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With this in mind, Ellis penned the now-famous “The Dash.” Today, the poem has touched millions around the globe and continues to be shared as inspiration for living life to the fullest. What would that woman do if she had the opportunity to relive her life again? Would she be less concerned about the future and more focused on the now? How much control do we have over the time we’re given? This experience with her co-worker gave Ellis her own moment of reflection. It’s hard to live in the present moment, but it’s also easy to let life pass you by. This individual felt sorrow at the end of her life knowing she’d spent so much time worrying instead of living. Instead, while working her corporate job, she heard about a co-worker’s wife who was terminally ill. However, the idea didn’t come from Ellis’ own experience. “The Dash” is a poem about enjoying your time here on earth. The Dash: Making a Difference with Your Life expands on the ideas in the poem, providing inspiration for a brighter legacy. Blown away by how the poem resonated with readers, she has since expanded upon her work to create a full-blown self-help book. This was the poem that became famous, inviting Ellis to numerous other opportunities. “The Dash” was written in 1996, though it wasn’t published until later in 2004. Once she left, she began pursuing writing professionally. She began her career in the United States working her way up the corporate ladder, but she always had a passion for writing.Īfter reflecting on her life, Ellis recognized that the corporate world wasn’t fulfilling to her personally. Linda Ellis was born in the UK in the 1950s, but she wasn’t always a poet. What’s the Origin of ‘The Dash’ by Linda Ellis?įirst, understanding the origin behind a poem often gives clarity to the meaning. In this guide, a literature expert takes you through “The Dash” by Linda Ellis, diving into its meaning, excerpts, and key lessons. All we can do is the best with the time we’ve been granted. What do you want others to say at your funeral? How do you wish to be remembered? These questions can be intimidating to ask, but they’re how we learn to tell our stories. Most importantly, Linda Ellis’ poem asks whether you’re happy with your life. While it’s easy to worry about your final wishes, what really matters? It comes down to your “dash,” the line between your birth date and death date. Thanks to this poem, the term “dash” is often used when referring to legacy and end-of-life planning. Though this poem is easy enough to understand upon first reading, it’s worth digging a little deeper. Popular Takeaways or Lessons From ‘The Dash’.What Is the Meaning of ‘The Dash’ Poem?.What’s the Origin of ‘The Dash’ by Linda Ellis?.One of the most well-known poems about death and grief is “The Dash” by Linda Ellis.

Reading poems about death helps us find understanding, even in the most challenging of times. It’s not always easy to put complex experiences into words, especially experiences around grief and loss.
