A FLASH OF BRILLIANT LIGHT! THREE-WORDS SHORT STORY

A FLASH OF BRILLIANT LIGHT! THREE-WORDS SHORT STORY

By Andy Weddington

Tuesday, 04 February 2025

Lighthouses are more helpful than churches.  - Benjamin Franklin

Atop the high ground on tiny Elbow Cay (Abaco, Bahamas) sits the lighthouse warning Atlantic mariners of the dangerous reef. 

It's the only manned, kerosene fueled beacon remaining on Earth; her signature - 5 flashes.  

For more than two decades I've studied that man-made wonder - trying to figure out how to include in a painting without it, size moot, dominating the scene. 

I have found some success.  

And did this year - just home with three dozen paintings and scores of quick ink renderings (some destined to become basis for painting).

While on the cay distractions i.e., world events, politics, etc., is of no interest. 

Even this year, arriving before the Inauguration of President Trump, I was not interested in anything upsetting study, thinking about, and painting the lighthouse and cay life. 

And all was going well until ...

an acquaintance asked, "What do you think about Hegseth as SecDef?"

The querier an older American not veteran. 

I replied, "He will be the best Secretary of Defense we've had in 50+ years."

Citing his service, post-service experience, education, and more a logical case made. 

Nothing said aligned with their thinking. 

And then, flustered, they threw in comment about the "J6 insurrection with six police officers killed." 

I refrained from explosion and was brief, direct, and pointed correcting facts and questioning their source(s) of information. In short, they'd been gaslighted by legacy media. 

"This conversation is making me anxious," they politely stated and departed. 

Good.

I'd not thought about it much thereafter determined to relax, observe, and paint. 

But I did think about it traveling home.

I've no interest discussing politics with anyone not aligned with the Constitution.

And came to simple conclusion. 

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse has survived (centuries of) fierce storms; Dorian most recently.  

Donald J. Trump has survived fierce storms; attempted assassination most recently. 

Hence forward I will cite the best political short story ever spoken; a flash of brilliant light! 

And the short story I believe President Trump should order posted below his official portrait hanging in office spaces here and abroad ...

"Elections have consequences."  - Barack Obama 

Post Script:

Elbow Reef Lighthouse. 

5 x 8.25 in. gouache/paper

Midday

Sunset