One More Arrow

by Elton John

He said I want to grow up
And look like Robert Mitchum,
And I hope that when I'm gone,
There'll be some say that I miss him.
He must have been romantic,
He must have sensed adventure,
And I feel the steel of his strong will,
In the frame around his picture.

And he's one more arrow,
Flying through the air,
One more arrow lying in a shady spot somewhere,
Where the days and nights blend into one,
And he can always feel the sun,
Through the soft brown earth that holds him,
Forever, always young.

He could have been a boxer,
But the fight game seemed so dirty,
We argued once, he knocked me down,
And he cried when he thought he'd hurt me.
Strictly from the old school,
He was quiet about his pain,
And if one in ten could be that brave,
I would never hate again.

And he's one more arrow,
Flying through the air,
One more arrow lying in a shady spot somewhere,
Where the days and nights blend into one,
And he can always feel the sun,
Through the soft brown earth that holds him,
Forever, always young.

One more arrow,
One more arrow,
One more arrow,
Forever, always young.

The story behind the title:

I first heard this song last year when my grandmother was dying of cancer. It is obviously about death, and it depressed the heck out of me...I still can't listen to it without at least a tear coming to my eye.

When I decided to write a story about grief, death, and pain, it seemed so appropriate to call it "Forever Always Young." It's such a bittersweet message; the idea of someone dying is sad, and yet there is the knowledge that somewhere, somehow they ARE young. Always and forever.

I used five lines from this song's refrain for titles of story parts. I think the depressing mood the song sets is just right for this story...

Forever, Always Young

Once upon a January in 2011....After celebrating Jean and Scott Summers' anniversary, the X-men gather to spend a quiet evening at home. But something goes terribly wrong, and everyone (especially Donatello and Raphael) is asking "What do we do now?"

Warning! This story contains some violence, cursing, and adult situations which may be inappropriate for some readers. This story is voluntarily rated PG-13 for parental guidance. Kids, do yourself a favor and ask mom or dad before you read Forever, Always Young.

"Forever Always Young" is copyright 1999 to Luna Azul.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and all associated characters are copyright 1999 to Mirage Publishing.

The X-men and all associated characters are copyright 1999 to Marvel Comics.

The song "One More Arrow" is copyright 1983 to Big Pig Music Ltd.

All copyright holders retain their copyrights; nothing on this page may be used in any way without permission from Luna Azul.