As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 3 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 11. It was a dead ringer for a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out B 531. It was a dead ringer for dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I located Abell 58. It was a blurry likeness of Santa Claus. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 6940. It seemed just like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I slewed to B 133. It seemed just like Gollum. After that, I stumbled upon IC 3587. It looked exactly like R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I tried M 23. It appeared in the eyepiece like Miss Piggy. Next, I showed some guests Abell 70. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted Abell 26. It was better than the eye of God. Then, I observed M 76. It appeared at low power like a far-away cloud. Then, I slewed to B 477. It looked a bit like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 1085. It took me back to the first time I saw dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 1798 in Virgo. It shimmered, as if it were a whale spouting. After that, I stumbled upon Abell 21. It was like cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 363 in Ophiuchus. It reminded me of the eye of God. With that checked off my list, I sought M 64. It was not quite as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted for IC 3810. It appeared as George W. Bush.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.