Ah, @bananafish--you go to the heart of my dilemma this week.
I would not be a pirate, and I would not engage in battle. At my age, you get an idea of what you will or will not do. However, I did want to support finishthestory by writing a piece. So I threw myself on my sword, recognizing that my story would be out of step.
Still, I think every voice (that is positive) adds to the creative environment. My dissonance, I believe, added something to the mix. My young John offered a different perspective on piracy and battle.
There were more creative ways to go....@michaias rendered the battlers mad. @marcoriccardi had the forces for good on the prowl. Each of them, though, engaged in the fray. Not me. My heart was elsewhere, with the consequences of violence.
I do appreciate your sincerity. Always feel free--that sincerity gives me another opportunity to explain why violence, battles, and war are never glamorous, in my view.
I add here: One of the best things about the Bananafish realm: It is peaceful :)