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.
One dropped out, and then there were five,
Four cheerful members who never disagree,
Till one complained of meetings, then there three.
Three eager members; what do they do?
Two lonely members; our rhyme is nearly done,
One joined a bridge club, then there was one.
One faithful member was feeling rather blue,
Met with a neighbor, and then there were two.
Two earnest members each enrolled one more,
Doubling their numbers, then there were four.
Four determined members just couldn't wait 'til
Each won another, and there were eight!
Eight excited members signed up sixteen more,
In another six verses, there'll be a thousand twenty-four!

(Originally printed in the Fuchsia Fan and reprinted in May-June issue of
California GOLDEN GARDENS - courtesy of Marella Burg)