Band wipe keeps reversing for no reason

I am trying to do a series of text that appears on a video as someone is talking. I am using the "band wipe" transition to make the text appear as they talk.

The video sequence is in the vertical format (I don't think it's the cause, but making note).

Everything works fine...until I move the first line of text to the top - then FOR NO REASON, the band wipe reverses. Instead of wiping left to right, like it does by default and does on all the other text, it wipes right to left. I has not been reversed (I checked that, but even if it was that, why would moving the position up do that?) 

It seems it is impossible for me to have the text at the TOP of the video and have the band wipe work left to right.

I'm so frustrated! This should be the most basic video EVER, but I am about ready to toss the computer off the balcony. Anyone have any ideas how I can fix this? And, no I cannot just move the text down - I need it where I have it.

Thanks.