The gods sometimes look down with advice for mortals
but their forms of advice may be subtle or devious
and can be misinterpreted as bad luck
or catastrophe.

Here’s an example: a recent bombing in Pakistan
was probably just a suggestion from Thanatos
to slow down, take a break, and die.

Aquilo, the winter storm, might freeze out
a family or five as a tip to get better heat for next year.
Or you might get word from Tammuz
on strategies to yield better crops
through horrifying blight and famine.

Dreadful consequences can follow hearing from the gods
or being noticed
or simply being thought of by them.
It is best to avoid any of those options
if possible.