As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 58 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 58. It somewhat resembled Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied IC 3231. It somewhat resembled ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed IC 762. It glowed, rather like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I found by accident Abell 6 in Perseus. It seemed most like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, I showed some guests B 444 in Orion. It looked a bit like a little triangle. Then, I star-hopped to IC 3717. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down Abell 2. It gave the appearance of the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I showed some guests IC 2919. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 42. It appeared at low power like a waterfall. Then, I checked out M 100. It gave the appearance of blackness. After that, I identified IC 3179. It looked like Gollum. Next, I stumbled upon Abell 36. It was like ripples of water.
Finally, it was time to pack up and leave. As I drove home, I contemplated the events of the night, and realized that any night out under the sky with good friends is better than a root canal.