The Value of One Member

This little poem is taken from the DeMolay International "How To" Book. It really makes you think, doesn't it?

Ten little members, standing in a line.
One disliked the Master Councilor, then there were nine.
Nine ambitious members offered to work late.
One forgot his 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 projects, 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-
'Til one complained of meetings; then there were three.
Three eager members!  What did they do?
One got discouraged, then there were two.
Two lonely members, our rhyme is nearly done.
One joined an athletic 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, and then there were four.
Four determined members, just wouldn't wait
Til each one won another, and then there were eight.
Eight excited members signed up sixteen more,
In another six verses, there'll be a thousand twenty-four!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony