The Dash
Written by: Tony Castricone
Grandpa said to pick him out a stone
chisel out the years he lived
He said “put a dash between those years
every dash is really just a bridge
And once I reach the other side, I’m gone
After years and lots of tears, you’ll move on
Just remember where I’m headin’ don’t take cash
All that counts is what you do with The Dash.”
Fifty years of sweatin’ in a steel mill
and not one color TV
A lifetime of singing away his blues
with The Beatles: “Hey Jude, Let it Be”
But he always said by giving you receive
Helped a part of my dark heart come to believe
All the things we buy will someday end up trash
All that lasts is what you do with The Dash
When the weight of expectations brings me down
I remember how he never left that rusty Midwest town
And he smiles through Dime Store picture frames up on my shelf
that say “Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself”
Martin guitars and vintage cars
all those things he loved but never owned
But if faces at a funeral were dollars
he’s the richest man I’ve ever known
When I visit him, I see that little line
I’m so proud of his, I hope he’s proud of mine
And I wonder if it passed by in a flash
All I know is he made the most of his dash
TONY CASTRICONE 