THE VALUE OF ONE MEMBER

      Ten little members
      standing in a line.
      One disliked the president
      Then there were nine.

      Nine ambitious members
      offered to work late.
      One forgot her promise;
      then there were eight.

      Eight creative members
      had ideas good as heaven.
      One lost enthusiasm,
      then there were seven.

      Seven loyal members
      got into a fix
      They quarreled over programs,
      and then there were six.

      Six members remained
      with spirit and drive.
      One moved away,
      then there were five

      Five steadfast members
      wished there were more.
      One became indifferent,
      then there were four.

      Four cheerful members
      who never disagree--
      Till one complained of meetings,
      then there were three.

      Three eager members!
      What do they do?
      One got discouraged
      then there were two.

      Two lonely members
      so our rhyme is nearly done
      One joined the bridge club,
      then there was one.

      One faithful member
      was feeling rather blue.
      Met with a neighbor,
      then there were two.

      Two earnest members,
      each enrolled one more.
      Doubling their number,
      then there were four.

      Four determined members
      just couldn't wait,
      Till each won another,
      and then there were eight!

      Eight excited members
      signed up 8 more.
      In another six verses,
      there'll be a thousand twenty four!!!

                                                                             --Author Unknown
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