As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the insignificance of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 12 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68 in Sculptor. It took me back to the first time I saw a nebula.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I sought IC 323 in Cygnus. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 3260. It was like blackness.
After a short break to check my email, I jumped to B 443. It was a blurry likeness of Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 433. It looked a bit like Dubya. With that checked off my list, I hunted for IC 501. It took me back to the first time I saw lumpy darkness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests M 37. It seemed almost a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 48. It was a dead ringer for a swarm of bees. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought Abell 5. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. Next, I studied Abell 6. It was not quite as bright as the face of God. Then, I tried for B 208. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to Abell 64. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find M 74. It seemed just like Santa Claus.
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 sex.