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