The Monkeys I Teach



I broke the news to my students today
that I was leaving.
In every class period,
all six of them,
they shouted,
"YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!"
Giving each other high fives.
Ranting.
Raving.
Jumping like monkeys.

And the news is that I am NOT having a baby.
I am leaving just because...
for reasons I can't really explain to fifth graders,
or fifty-year-old adults
(for that matter.)

"WHAT ARE YOU HAVING A BOY OR A GIRL?"
They yell out.
"CAN WE COME AND BABYSIT?"
Punching each others arms.
I shake my head
and shush.

Fold my arms and
wait.

"I am NOT having a baby. . ."
I start when it get's quiet.
"Then why else would you leave us?"
They question.
"She is so having a baby you guys!"
One of them proclaims,
and the monkey business,
is in business
all over
again.
Swinging on the chairs,
rolling on the table,
NOISE!

"Believe me. . ."
I boom.
"When I am going to have a baby
you______(fill in number) graders
will be
the FIRST
to know."

"It's going to be tomorrow,"
confidently states Julianne,
my shiest student of all,
"I just know it."

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