His request approved, the CNN News photographer
Quickly used a cell phone to call the local airport
To charter a flight.
He was told a twin-engine plane
Would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane
Warming up outside a hanger.
He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut,
And shouted, 'Let's go'.
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane
Into the wind and took off.
Once in the air, the photographer instructed
The pilot, 'Fly over the valley and make
Low passes so I can take pictures
Of the fires on the hillsides.'
'Why?' asked the pilot.
'Because I'm a photographer for CNN'
He responded, 'and I need to get
Some close up shots.'
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment,
Finally he stammered, 'So, what you're telling me,
Is . . . You're NOT my flight instructor?'
"Life is short.
Drink the good wine first."
