Pitirre y Guaraguao
(Kingbird & Redtail Hawk) is based on the Puerto Rican Spanish expression, “Cada guaraguao tiene su pitirre.” The “guaraguao” is a hawk. The “pitirre” is a kingbird. When the predatory guaraguao invades the territory of the pitirre, this two-ounce bird defends her young in the nest with such ferocity that the startled hawk dives away in retreat. Translated literally, the expression means is that every hawk has his kingbird. Every Goliath has his David. Two years ago, Erico Figueroa’s life changed. Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and he made his way to Houston. Today he’s in a better place and the piece is a reminder that there’s no giant that cannot be defeated. You just have to believe in yourself.
