Needle, running in and out,
In and out, in and out,
Do you know what you’re about,
In and out, in and out?
Fingers, going to and fro,
To and fro, to and fro,
Do you know the path you go?
To and fro, to and fro?

I might tell you why you’re taking
Such good stitches: You are making
Out of linen, fine as breaking
Ocean-spray upon a bluff
Pleating for a Bishop’s cuff!

I might make you understand
That a Bishop’s white, white hand,
Because of you, will be more fair,
Will be raised in better prayer.

Even then would you know
Why you’re going to and fro?
Would you doubt what you’re about,
Running in and running out?