Ten enthusiastic workers, vigorous and fine;
One had another commitment, and then there were nine.
Nine enthusiastic workers, excited and elate;
One got hired away, and then there were eight.
Eight enthusiastic workers, keeping things even;
One got sloppy, and then there were seven.
Seven enthusiastic workers, giving it their best;
One found it tedious, and then there were six.
Six enthusiastic workers, looking all alive;
One fell asleep, and then there were five.
Five enthusiastic workers, keeping up their score;
One showed up late, and then there were four.
Four enthusiastic workers, bright as bright can be;
One became careless, and then there were three.
Three enthusiastic workers, seeking work to do;
One thought he couldn’t, and then there were two.
Two enthusiastic workers, proud of good things done;
One grew too tired, and then there was one.
One enthusiastic worker, still hanging on;
Because persevering had made him strong.
By David Hugh Beaumont (born 1966)