One of my most favorite poems ever!

I have mentioned before that I am not really a poem person, I am for the most part not all that into poems. But this poem has always had an affect on me. Everyone has probably seen it before at one time or another, but i feel that it can never be emphasized enough.

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the unveiling of a friend
He referred to the dates on the tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

The first date was that of her birth
The second he recalled 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.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real,
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

So be less quick to anger
And show appreciation more,
Love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

Let's treat each other with respect,
More often wear a smile
Remember that this special dash
Only lasts a little while.