The Dash by Cynthia Gaines at All poetry

Granddad never seemed to mind
cake, balloons, and gifts to honor him,
as birthdays rolled on slowly by
a lifetime spent working these fields -
his "dash" - his annual yield of crops.

Today, in remembrance of all

the goodness that this fertile land

had given back in return for toil,

he gazes over his dash - those golden

rows of plowed and seeded earth.

And he is content his life was blessed

with a long dash of plentiful harvests.

Author notes

Happy Birthday, Granddad!! ~ Long may you live your dash!!

Contest criteria: Free Verse, Left Align ~ Photo by Michael Giedrojc.

Also, inspired by the poem, "How You Live Your 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 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?"

In a list

Philosophy • next in list

A contest entry

Life Poetry 101 by Dalaney. 1000 points, ended September 19, 2008, 17 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest

Comments

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Dalaney
September 18, 2008

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This was an enjoyable read, as well as informative. Thanks for the notes, and for your time and talent. Love, lane
- Cynthia Gaines
  September 19, 2008
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  Thank you for hosting the contest, Daleny,
  And congratulations to all the winners!!!
KayJay
September 14, 2008

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A wonderful tribute, a wonderful memory... told with a gentleness of words that are softened by love. A beautiful and personal write. Thank your for sharing this with us... All my best wishes to you and "granddad"...
Ken
- Cynthia Gaines
  September 14, 2008
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  Thank you, Ken...
  I appreciate your stopping in tonight to read my work!!! Thanks for your thoughtful comments, as well. Take care, and good luck to you in all you do!!! Peace, Cyn
Pure Thought
September 14, 2008

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Wonderful !
The poem, tribute and added poem. Such a wonderful combination. A joy to read.
Thank you,
Buddy
- Cynthia Gaines
  September 14, 2008
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  Thank you for the kudos!!!
  I'm really glad you stopped in to read my poem, and thanks again for your thoughtful comments!!! Peace, Cyn
Rowan
September 14, 2008

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What a beautiful tribute. I've never heard that expression; 'dash' before. I like it.
Very fine take on the prompt.
- Cynthia Gaines
  September 14, 2008
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  Thank you for the kudos!!!
  Thank you for stopping in today to read my poem!!! I appreciate your thoughtfulness, and I'm glad you like the poem!!! Peace, Cyn
Carolina Moon
September 14, 2008

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Beautiful poetry from a beautiful mind. Best of luck my friend.
- Cynthia Gaines
  September 14, 2008
  Edit | Reply
  
  Thank you for the kudos!!!
  I'm really glad you stopped in to read my poem, and thanks again for your thoughtful comments!!! Peace, Cyn