As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the current state of astrology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 52 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99 in Fornax. It appeared at low power like its Hubble photograph. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to NGC 2664. It seemed almost lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 295. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I studied Abell 54. It looked like a waterfall.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I went for B 11. It was as bright as a little triangle. With that checked off my list, I found NGC 1065. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I logged B 436 in Orion. It appeared to be two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected NGC 3042 in Fornax. It was even more difficult than desert sand. Next, I had a chance to see B 129. It somewhat resembled an inflamed monkey butt. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 2293. It looked uncannily like Miss Piggy. Next, I observed B 4 in Pisces Austrinus. It was even more difficult than yet another globular.
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 poetry reading marathon.