As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the higher implications 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 8 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 51. It looked like Demi Moore. Next, I sketched IC 3214. It somewhat resembled the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. After that, I found by accident NGC 1358. It was a blurry likeness of a spitting cobra. Next, I hunted for B 545. It reminded me of an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I observed NGC 6432 in the western sky. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 72 in Scorpius. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. With that checked off my list, I studied IC 1623. It was not quite as bright as the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I observed IC 3068 in Draco. It reminded me of an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon M 11. It took me back to the first time I saw a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I found M 27 in Sculptor. It seemed fainter than a nebula.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I hunted for Abell 55. It was not quite as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I identified IC 584. It seemed almost a little triangle.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I jumped to IC 2168 in Lyra. It appeared as cotton on velvet. Then, I studied B 264. It was like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located IC 3676. It reminded me of Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I logged Abell 48. It was like a nebula. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2669. It glowed, rather like Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to B 238 in Sculptor. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook NGC 5723 in Scutum. It looked uncannily like the last six objects I'd seen.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.