O Milho e a Família

I live off the corn I plant and also take care of the animals
With polenta and green corn, I raised the children
I make cracked corn for the chicks, ducks, hens, and pigs
I still keep stalks and leaves for a time of frost

I keep track of what I use and what I can sell
I take the surplus to the neighbor to grind
I barter at the store for things I need
Kerosene, salt, herbs, wire, nails, and machete

The joy of a brave farmer
Seeing the corn growing with rain, sun, and heat
Family united in rural customs
Asking for protection from the sky and caring for the land with love

Life of those from the countryside, defending their existence
And finding their way, making this place their home
Not afraid of the signs of a harsh winter
God blessed the harvest and the barn is full

Corn that dries on the stalk is at risk of rotting
If it's time for heavy rain and the clouds appear
Breaking the plant at the elbow, a job for the kids
It's a festival of itching, pinching, and laughter

The joy of a brave farmer
Seeing the corn growing with rain, sun, and heat
Family united in rural customs
Asking for protection from the sky and caring for the land with love

Grain that sustains us, I say with certainty
Rich or poor, it doesn't matter, present on every table
Brazil of strong settlers, who in primary agriculture
Sow our food and provide us with abundance

Every part of the plant is used and woven into work
Chair, bed, mattress, basket, and straw hat
Between droughts and frosts, I endure the strain
Only the pests scare me, the caterpillars and weevils

The joy of a brave farmer
Seeing the corn growing with rain, sun, and heat
Family united in rural customs
Asking for protection from the sky and caring for the land with love