Starting Over

Our lives, like elevators, go up and down each new day,

 the buttons we press determine how we find our way.

 When today becomes troubling and difficult to cope,

 there’s tomorrow, for Starting Over, to bring new hope.

 Our lives, like elevators, begin their day on an upward trend,

  seeking higher goals until a sudden jolt brings it to an end.

  An opportunity for Starting Over, leaving behind the past,

  and moving ahead with plans for future endeavors to last.

  Our lives, like elevators, get out of order and need repair,

  from professional providers who know how to fare.

  Once repaired, Starting Over brings us new ideas,

  with peace of mind, and a way to lessen our fears

   Our lives, like elevators, are on a continuous ride,

    with a need to stop, pause, and put some time aside.

    Starting Over gives us reason to slow down our pace,

    to seek positive solutions, and to remain in the race.

Rita Nathan Wolfson is a 93-year-old author, poet, and artist.  For more than twenty years she created artwork and jewelry utilizing recycled paper, the profits of which were donated to charitable causes. Rita self-published a book that combined her artwork and creative writing: One Liner on Two Lines and most recently, during the pandemic, she has been sharing her poetry on YouTube as the Positive Poet. 

Rita began her creative journey later in life, after raising her family.  She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts, Boston at the age of 65, where she discovered her passion for learning.  Upon graduation, she became a founding member of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - taking countless classes and leading poetry seminars. She is tireless in her interests and has recently expanded her writing into the short story genre.