"Prepare For Take Off"

Fly the friendly skies
sit back and enjoy the flight.
You went on line and printed
your boarding passes the day
before your plane departed.
Get your points for every mile.
Five am and the airport terminal is buzzing
passengers busy checking in
to fly a goodby to stuff
and hello to a change.
Anticipating business or vacation
at their final destination.
Curb check, kiosk, counter,
hurry, hurry, wait, wait tired,
will sleep on the plane
unless you are like the women next to me
scared speechless finally coming to life
with a smile on her face
as the wheels touched down on the runway.
Suffering the seats that were not
designed for human beings.
Taking off shoes jackets and jewelry
so the buzzers and beepers are quiet
as you pass through security.
Getting wanded because you are
partially made of metal.
Going to the gate
waiting for your boarding number.
Finding just any seat
or the seat you are assigned.
Stowing your carry on items
above and below
inside the long narrow metal tube.
Does everyone have their seatbelts hooked?
Did you watch the stewartess as she
showed you the safety procedures?
Did you know this is a no smoking flight?
If you dislodge the smoke detector in the restroom
they will throw you out!
If we have to evacuate in the water
your seat cushion or life jacket
will be there for you.
Good luck!
But the two front doors
will not be opened,
so don't go the wrong way!
The way is lighted in the plane
if we have to make an emergency evacuation.
You think about how long it took
for everyone to board the flight
and wonder how long it would take
in an emergency to get out?
Coke, coffee, maybe a snack or
a pillow and a blanket?
It'cold on the plane.
The pilots voice comes through the speakers
welcoming you aboard and telling
you Chicago is busy.
We will be delayed for 15 minutes.
He tells you what the weather is there
and that you will be flying at 35,000 feet
Then he comes back again telling
the stewardesses
"To Prepare For Take Off."