Awakening.

The second graders are in the throes of that lovely phase that always seems to hit the boys around this time, when their hormones and physical reality start to mingle with the confusion of fantasy and they feel the need to have some kind of outward expression toward the world, as a release.

Like taking their pants off in class. Or informing the teacher (me) of who watches exactly how much porn, and how often (occasionally, what kind). Or answering every question with the name of a girl one student was seen speaking to one time after school three days ago.

It's lovely. And more of them seem to be wearing boxers, rather than briefs, this year -- just in case you were wondering.