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. (1934-1998)

  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 cas