Virgilio Dávila
| Virgilio Dávila | |
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 Virgilio Dávila, Mayor of Bayamon 1905–1910 |
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| Born | January 28, 1869 Toa Baja, Puerto Rico |
| Died | August 22, 1943 Bayamón, Puerto Rico |
| Occupation | poet, educator, politician, businessman |
| Nationality | Puerto Rican |
| Notable work(s) | "Patria"; "Viviendo y Amando"; "Aromas del Terruño"; "No des tu Tierra al Extaño" |
| Children | José Antonio Dávila |
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Influences
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Virgilio Dávila (January 28, 1869 - August 22, 1943), was a Puerto Rican poet, educator, politician and businessman. He is considered by many to be one of Puerto Rico's greatest representatives of the modern literary era.
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[edit] Early years
Dávila, born in the town of Toa Baja, was influenced by the literary collection of his parents, both of whom were teachers, at an early age. He attended private schools were he received both his primary and secondary education. Dávila earned his Bachelors degree from the Civil Institute of Higher Learning in 1895. He taught school in the town of Gurabo.[1]
[edit] Poet
Dávila and his wife had a son on October 7, 1898, José Antonio Dávila, in the City of Bayamón, who would one day take after his father and become a well known poet himself. His experiences as a teacher and in agriculture created an immense love for his country which was later reflected in his poetry. In 1903, Dávila published his first book of poems "Patria". In this book he included poems which he wrote about Jose de Diego, Federico Degetau and Lola Rodríguez de Tió. He also included poems about the island and love in general. In 1904, Dávila became director of the weekly publication "Chantelier", which he co-founded with Braulio Dueño Colon.
In 1905, Dávila ran for Mayor of the Municipality of Bayamon. He won the election and served as the municipality's mayor from 1905 to 1910.[1]
Together with Dueño Colon and Manuel Fernandez Juncos, he prepared a book of school songs. Dávila wrote many poems that were published in many publications and newspapers of the day. He also wrote a book for his grandchildren, titled A Book for my Grandchildren in 1928. Dávila style, considered traditional, was greatly influenced by Victor Hugo.
[edit] Written works
Among his better known poems are[2]:
- "Patria" (1903)
- "Viviendo y Amando" (1912)
- "Aromas del Terruño" (1916)
- "Nostalgia"
- "No des tu Tierra al Extaño".
The following is a short version of "No des tu Tierra al Extaño" ("Do not give your land to a stranger!"):
| Spanish (original version) |
translation |
|---|---|
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por más que te pague bien.. |
even though he pays you well.. |
[edit] Later years
Dávila died in the City of Bayamón on August 22, 1943. He is buried in that city's Porta Coeli Cemetery. A public housing complex, a school, and an avenue in Bayamón bear the name of Dávila in his honor.[1]
