Ten little Rotarians standing in a line; One disliked the program, then there were nine.
Nine ambitious Rotarians offered to work late; One forgot her promise and then there were eight.
Eight creative Rotarians had ideas good as heaven; One lost his enthusiasm, then there were seven.
Seven loyal Rotarians got into a fix. They quarreled over projects, then there were six.
Six Rotarians remained with spirit and drive. One moved away, then there were five Five steadfast Rotarians wished there were more.
One became indifferent, then there were four Four cheerful Rotarians who never disagree, One complained of meetings, then there were three.
Three eager Rotarians! What did they do? One got discouraged, then there were two. Two lonely Rotarians, our rhyme is nearly done.
One joined Kiwanis, then there was only one. One faithful Rotarian was feeling rather blue, Met with a neighbor, and then there were two. Two earnest Rotarians each enrolled one more, Doubling their number, then there were four. Four determined Rotarians, just wouldn't wait, 'Til each one won another, then there were eight.
Eight excited Rotarians signed up eight more. In another six verses they'll be one thousand twentyfour
*Authored by District 7730 PDG John T. Capps III, with thanks to Eric Schmautz who sent it to District 5150, where harbor light stole the poem for this newsletter!