advice to children

Children, do not talk to strangers.
If you must, make sure they at least
have candy and that it is good candy.

This is the way of the world.
If strangers have candy or money
you talk to them and try to get some

for yourself. Candy, money, glory;
if a strange man promises you fame,
you do not even need to ask his name.

If a man appears with a strange animal
on a leash, such as a capybara, pet it;
feed it, let it lick your hand.

Remember that the capybara may be
strange to you, but to Brazilians it is normal,
just as to his mother the strange man

is nothing out of the ordinary.
He is merely her son, and one hopes
she has done her best to raise him well,

given him all the advantages of education,
culture, a mother’s love. So when you
talk to a stranger, imagine him

a baby, feeding at his mother’s breast.
Accept whatever candy or money he has,
and trust the Lord to take care of the rest.