Authored by Rachel Coghlan, Deakin University
“DID anyone die at work today Mum?” our 7-year-old asked.
“Yes. One person today,” I replied truthfully.
“What colour is death?” he enquired.
“What colour do you think it is?” I questioned back.
“Maybe it’s black, because there is nothing after you die, or maybe it’s red, like the devil,” he offered.
“Maybe. Sounds a bit dark and scary. Or maybe death is colourful, like a rainbow lorikeet?” I suggested.
“Oh. Yes, maybe it’s the colours of the bird you might turn into, when you die. Or maybe it’s golden, like a lion. Maybe I will become a lion. Or maybe it’s blue, like the sky you float up to.”
He shrugged and departed the deliberations.
These are short notes about small conversations and small things.