Virgilio Dávila
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Virgilio Dávila (born January 28, 1869 in the town of Toa Boja, Puerto Rico – August 22, 1943), was a poet of patriotic themes, an educator, politician and businessman.
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Dávila 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.
Dávila and his wife had a son on October 7, 1898, José Antonio Dávila, in the City of Bayamon, 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. 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. Dávila is considered by many one of Puerto Rico's greatest representatives of the modern literary era.
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.
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.
Among his better known poems are:
- "Patria" (1903)
- "Viviendo y Amando" (1912)
- "Aromas del Terruño" (1916)
- "No des tu Tierra al Extaño". He was greatly influenced by Victor Hugo and his style is considered traditional.
Virgilio Dávila died in the City of Bayamon on August 22, 1943. He is buried in that city's Porta Coeli Cemetery.
A public housing complex, a school, and an avenue in the City of Bayamon are all named for Dávila.
