José García Villa, a renowned poet, believed that his essence was best captured in his literary works rather than in any personal history. His life was marked by a steadfast dedication to his craft, as he maintained a barrier between his personal experiences and public persona. Throughout his career, Villa remained a fiercely independent figure, seeking validation solely from his own artistic achievements.

A Distinct Path

Villa often recounted with pride his father's role as the chief of staff for General Emilio Aguinaldo during the 1896 Revolution, but his admiration lay more with the archetype of the revolutionary than the healer. Defying his father's wishes for him to pursue a medical career, Villa chose instead the realm of law at the University of the Philippines. However, he soon found the legal discipline equally stifling. His rebellious streak became evident when he faced suspension in 1929 for "Man Songs," a poem deemed too explicit for the era's standards. Despite such setbacks, his story "Mir-i-Nisa" won the first prize in the Philippines Free Press annual contest. Frustrated by his father's lack of appreciation and his peers' indifference, Villa used his winnings to start anew in the United States, determined to forge his own path.

Literary Pursuits in America

By 1932, Villa had earned a B.A. from the University of New Mexico, where he launched the magazine Clay, offering a platform for emerging writers like William Saroyan and William March, alongside his own short stories. These works garnered attention from literary figures such as O’Brien, who dedicated his anthology The Best American Short Stories of 1932 to Villa. Buoyed by this recognition, Villa moved to New York City, taking Clay with him, which O’Brien hailed as a promising new rival to established literary magazines of the time. Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression and alleged discrimination due to his nationality, Villa made his mark when Scribner’s published his story collection Footnote to Youth in 1933. His debut poetry collection, Many Voices, appeared in Manila in 1939, earning honorable mention in the Commonwealth Literary Contest the following year. Villa's subsequent works, Poems by Doveglion and Have Come, Am Here, further solidified his reputation, with the latter nearly winning the Pulitzer Prize. With encouragement from literary figures like Mark Van Doren, Villa pursued graduate studies at Columbia University, all while indulging in a side passion for painting in the cubist style.

Commitment to Writing

During World War II, Villa worked at the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., where his duties included compiling news clippings about the war. Yet, his thoughts were often preoccupied with his writing. Villa's dissatisfaction with his clerical role became evident when he was denied a raise for his slow typing speed, prompting him to leave Washington for New York. There, he married Rosemarie Lamb and fathered two sons. His 1949 publication, Volume Two, introduced his innovative "comma poems," showcasing his experimental approach to poetry. Villa's influence extended to editorial roles with New Directions and the Harvard Wake, contributing to special publications dedicated to literary icons Marianne Moore and E. E. Cummings. His poetry continued to feature in international anthologies throughout the 1940s and beyond. By 1958, he released a retrospective collection, Selected Poems and New, further cementing his poetic legacy.

Mentorship and Recognition

In his later years, Villa imparted his poetic insights through teaching positions at the City College of New York and the New School for Social Research between 1964 and 1973. His involvement with the Philippine Mission to the United Nations continued throughout his life until he was honored as a National Artist in 1973. In the 1980s, Villa took on the editorial role for Bravo: The Poet’s Magazine. Despite retreating from the public literary sphere, Villa remained dedicated to developing his poetics philosophy and teaching at New York-based institutions. He hosted poetry workshops in his apartment, fostering a unique environment for aspiring poets. As one former student recounted, Villa's sessions were characterized by his sharp critiques and strong martinis, with a staunch advocacy for lyrical poetry over narrative forms. His unwavering commitment to pure poetic expression and his influence on future generations of poets continue to be part of his enduring legacy.