John Grows Up Poem by Ava

Now the child grew, it is true,
until he came to his eighth year.
Then he left and went into the desert
and put his trust in God.
That was a great miracle
for a young child,
unless God’s brightness enlightened him
and so made it possible.
His body was very young,
but he took up the struggle
with his flesh.
That came from the Holy Spirit.
We read about his clothing
that he had no garment
except one woven out of camel hair.
My Lord strengthened him for that.
He kept guard over his mind,
and God lived in it.
He ate strange food,
food that is symbolic:
grasshoppers and wild honey.
The holy Christ strengthened him for that.
There was little flesh on his body;
he let it go for the love of God.