Eye of the Camel

Is there a slow renunciation,
drop by drop a long oblation,
without a hope of consecration--
without the treasures of the poor?

Can there be a long slow threading,
full with waiting, long with dreading,
camel's eye each tear-drop shedding--
without the treasures of the poor?

The choosing must be swift, complete,
though stiff and slow may be the feet
which we compel to seek the sweet
rich treasures of the poor.