Linda Ellis Poetry

Linda Ellis is a contemporary poet and author of the “Dash Poem.” She wrote the piece in 1996 and recalls it as changing her life forever. The poem was faxed to a radio show in Atlanta and is regarded as one of the most poignant contemporary poems about life and death.

Biography Quotes

Poem Explorer Poetry Archives

PDF Guide

Nationality:

Themes:

Emotions:

Topics:

Form:

"> 91/100

The Dash

‘The Dash’ is a very popular beautiful poem in which the poet, Linda Ellis, explores themes of death, life, and the purpose of life.

‘The Dash’ is a good representation of Linda Ellis's poetic style and thematic focus. Ellis often writes with a straightforward, accessible style that delivers powerful messages through simple, relatable imagery. This poem, with its clear, poignant reflection on life's meaning, embodies her typical approach of using personal and universally relevant themes to inspire and provoke thought. The poem's focus on the significance of how one lives rather than material achievements aligns well with her broader body of work, which frequently explores themes of life, love, and the human experience.

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.

Home » Poets » Linda Ellis Poems

General

Poetry+

Discover

Useful Links