Bathos

I am not sure how to translate this...literally = rare chance to be foolish

Ma J has been home from the hospital for more than a month now. She is still largely immobile, though with someone to lean on she is able to stand and take a few steps. The doctors have just started her on anti-depressants.

This exchange takes place in Mandarin and Hokkien.
J: We don't have to worry about life...
Ma J: [eyes half closed, although she is sitting upright] Yah...I know.
J: God takes care of us all.
Ma J: [she lifts one eyelid, and the other follows]Ummm, that's right.
J: You look at the birds, no one bothers about them. But they are ok. They still find food, when it rains they have a place to go to, they don't worry about clothes or food -
Ma J: [nods in firm agreement] Yes, that's right, there's no need to worry. Sometimes you see a bird - ppaah - it gets knocked dead by a car...So why worry?

Though inappropriate, how I wanted to laugh, looking at J's somewhat bemused expression and Ma J's eyelids fast lowering. Three little birds around the dining table.