This little poem written by God only knows whom
was found kicking around the lodge room.
 

Ten Royal Arch Masons

Ten Royal Arch Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumor then there were nine.
Nine Royal Arch Masons, faithful, never late
One didn't like the First Principal then there were eight.
Eight Royal Arch Masons, on their way to heaven
One joined too many clubs then there were seven.
Seven Royal Arch Masons life dealt some hard licks
One grew discouraged, then, there were six.
Six Royal Arch Masons, all very much alive
One lost his interest, then there were five.
Five Royal Arch Masons, wishing there were more
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.
Four Royal Arch Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programs, then there were three.
Three Royal Arch Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.
Two Royal Arch Masons with so much to be done
One said "What's the use" and then there was one.

One Royal Arch Mason, found a companion - true!
Brought him to Chapter, then there were two.
Two Royal Arch Masons didn't find the work a bore
Each brought another, then there were four.
Four Royal Arch Masons saved their Chapters fate
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.
Eight Royal Arch Masons, loving their Chapters colour
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.
Sixteen Royal Arch Masons, to their obligations true
Were pleased, when their number went to thirty two.
So we can't put our troubles on the Chapter door
It's our fault for harming the Chapters we adore.
Don't fuss about the programs or the Principal in the east
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.

Anonymous