Life’s Elevator

Quite long ago, when I was young, “Going up”, “Life’s Elevator” would say;
Each year I rode it higher, knowing I’d get to the top one day!
Then, I reached its top level, planning to stay there evermore;
I had come to its culmination, my ego smugly soared!
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I thought I was invincible, had no “Achilles Heel”;
Life at the top was permanent, my good fortune ever sealed!
But success can slowly dissipate, the pendulum swings to and fro;
“Life’s Elevator” doors then opened up, saying, “Down you now must go”!
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But this time, it moved very quickly, four times faster than before;
And before I knew what hit me, I was on the bottom floor!
Each time I push its button, to try and rise again;
A sign reads, “Out of Order, working only now and then”!
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I am right back where I started, so many years ago;
My coffers all but empty, which I thought would ever grow!
Maybe I’ll find a merry-go-round, and snag a lucky brassy ring;
Because I’m running out of options, for success again me bring!
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                                I rode to the top
                           Of my life’s elevator
                     Then came crashing down