...echoed in the darkness.

The boy was unusually quiet

his father asked him what was wrong

“I’m frightened of dying” said the boy.

His father told him that he mustn’t be afraid of dying!

Looking back the man now realises

his father's reply was as useless as a skyhook.

A six year old boy had no control over his imagination

and although he possessed them he didn’t understand emotions.

I now pity that man who was so frightened of death himself

he was unable to enlighten and comfort his child. 

The boy was not at his father's side when he died 

when the darkness and terror beckoned 

and then swallowed him up. 

“You mustn’t be afraid of death” might well have echoed in the darkness.