As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the insignificance of my life's work 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 34 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I found Abell 38. It was a dead ringer for Miss Piggy. After that, I had a chance to see M 55 in Lyra. It reminded me of R2-D2. After that, I found Abell 52. It appeared in the eyepiece like George W. Bush. Next, I logged NGC 3253. It was a dead ringer for a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I glimpsed IC 287 in Camelopardalis. It was better than Dubya. Then, I helped a beginner find NGC 1579 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found NGC 5290. It seemed most like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located Abell 34. It reminded me of a swarm of bees. Then, I helped a beginner find IC 1245. It seemed almost the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected B 79. It seemed fainter than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I tried for B 19. It looked exactly like Dubya. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 42 in Ophiuchus. It was as bright as a spitting cobra. Then, I tried IC 656. It appeared as fleecy wool. Next, I checked off NGC 260. It was easy, just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 77. It reminded me of the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I helped a beginner find B 368. It was like whipped cream. Next, I located B 609 in Lepus. It was like diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I found by accident M 57. It reminded me of George W. Bush. Next, I added to my logbook IC 241. It was like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 3101 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like cotton candy. Then, I found M 94. It compared favorably with a swarm of bees. With that checked off my list, I tried for B 439. It seemed just like lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at B 28. It was a dead ringer for the face of God.
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.