and often
what it would be like
to live
as nature requires.
The gods did all they could --
through their gifts,
their help,
their inspiration --
to ensure that I could live
as nature demands.
And if I've failed…
it's no one's fault
but mine.
Because I didn't pay attention
to what they told me --
to what they taught me,
practically,
step by step."
- Marcus Aurelius