As I drove up the winding road to Fremont Peak State Park, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 39 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 92. It somewhat resembled an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I helped a beginner find B 334. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I checked out Abell 72 in Pisces Austrinus. It somewhat resembled the face of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out NGC 2079. It was a blurry likeness of cotton on velvet. Then, I star-hopped to NGC 4938. It somewhat resembled a far-away cloud. Next, I looked for and suspected B 84. It seemed almost a spider. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected NGC 4314. It would be easy to confuse with Gollum. After that, I located Abell 27 in Antlia. It was better than Demi Moore. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find NGC 2168. It appeared as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I found by accident Abell 51. It somewhat resembled spent coals, faintly glowing. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 3277. It looked uncannily like a waterfall. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 19. It looked like fleecy wool. After that, I identified M 33 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 81. It compared favorably with dancing elephants.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I helped a beginner find M 27. It reminded me of Santa Claus. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 1178. It would be easy to confuse with a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.