The Value of One Member

Ten little Rotarians standing in a line.
One disliked the president, then there were nine.
Nine ambitious members on a project work late.
One forgot her commitment, then there were eight.

Eight creative members had ideas good as heaven.
One lost enthusiasm, then there were seven.
Seven loyal Rotarians got in a fix.
They quarrelled over projects, 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 disagreed,
'Til one complained about food, then there were three.
Three eager members! What did they do?
One got discouraged, then there were two.

Two lonely members, my rhyme is nearly done.
One joined a sports team, then there was only one.

One faithful member, feeling rather blue,
Met with a neighbour, then there were two.
Two earnest members, each one enrolled one more.
Doubling their number, then there were four.

Four determined members, just wouldn't wait,
'Til each one reached another, then there were eight.
Eight excited members signed up eight more.
In another six verses, there'll be a thousand twenty-four!