Telmo N. Vaca del Pozo (San José de Chimbo, Ecuador, 1906 – Guayaquil, Ecuador, 1950) was a prominent Ecuadorian poet, journalist, and lawyer known for his revolutionary spirit and lyrical poetry. He gained national recognition in the 1920s with works like Labios románticos (1927) and Voz de bronce y otras voces (1928), which showcased his poetic originality and social consciousness. Vaca was also active in Ecuador’s political and intellectual spheres, founding the Semanario La Espiga and contributing to numerous publications. His legacy endures through his literary contributions and his advocacy for justice and ethical journalism.
Early Life and Education
Telmo N. Vaca was born in 1906 in San José de Chimbo, a town in the Province of Bolívar, Ecuador. His love for nature and the Andean landscapes of his birthplace would later inspire much of his poetic imagery. Vaca’s early passion for literature emerged during his youth, and by the age of 13, he had already published his first poem.
In his adolescence, his family relocated to Ambato, a vibrant cultural center, where Vaca became an active participant in the local intellectual and literary scene. He pursued higher education in Guayaquil, where he earned a degree in Law and Jurisprudence from the University of Guayaquil, preparing him for a multifaceted career that included law, journalism, and poetry.
Literary Career
Vaca’s literary career began to flourish in the 1920s, with his early works showcasing a unique blend of lyricism and revolutionary ideals. His first major collection, Labios románticos (1927), gained him national recognition for its delicate yet passionate verses. This was soon followed by Voz de bronce y otras voces (1928), which further cemented his position as one of Ecuador’s leading young poets. His poetry combined social consciousness with emotional depth, often focusing on the struggles and dreams of Ecuadorian society.
Vaca’s work received widespread praise both domestically and internationally. Prominent Ecuadorian literary critics such as Gonzalo Zaldumbide and Julio H. Santamaría admired his originality, while international figures from countries like France, Uruguay, and Chile lauded the emotional power and authenticity of his verses. Several commentators in the late 1920s hailed him as one of the most promising voices in Ecuadorian literature. Publications like “El Día” and “El Globo” described him as a poet with a revolutionary streak, an individual who rose above local mediocrity through sheer will and dedication to his craft. His poetry was seen as both tender and fiercely critical, capable of inspiring and enlightening his readers while also challenging societal norms.
His most notable work, Sinfonías de Navidad, earned him the Flor Natural award at the Juegos Florales in Guayaquil in 1928, one of the highest honors for Ecuadorian poets at the time.
Journalism and Political Involvement
In addition to his literary pursuits, Vaca was deeply involved in Ecuador’s intellectual and political spheres. His journalistic career began with the founding of Semanario La Espiga in Ambato in 1926, which he directed, showcasing his political engagement and sharp editorial voice. Throughout his life, he contributed to numerous national publications, earning a reputation as a critical voice in Ecuadorian media.
As a journalist, Vaca was a staunch advocate for freedom of the press and social justice, themes that also appeared frequently in his poetry. His book El periodismo y las leyes de imprenta (1941) became an important contribution to Ecuadorian journalism, reflecting his commitment to journalistic ethics and responsible reporting.
Vaca also played a role in Ecuador’s political landscape, serving in various capacities including Secretary of the Guayaquil Municipal Government, Secretary of the Chamber of Deputies, and Sub-Controller of the Nation.
Personal Life
Vaca married Carmen América Villacrés, a woman from Guayaquil, with whom he had a daughter, Rosa Vaca de Pachano. His daughter later recalled her father’s love for his homeland, his passion for literature, and his strong ethical convictions.
He was known for his outgoing personality and intellectual vigor, which gained him many friendships with prominent figures, including Gabriela Mistral, Rosario Sansores, and Jorge Eliécer Gaitán. However, his uncompromising views also earned him some political adversaries.
Legacy and Death
Telmo N. Vaca passed away at the age of 44 in 1950 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. His death was widely mourned, and numerous tributes poured in from fellow writers, journalists, and intellectuals, recognizing his contributions to Ecuadorian literature and his role as a public intellectual.
In 2000, his Antología Poética was published, collecting three of his most important works: Labios románticos, Voz de bronce y otras voces, and Sinfonías de América (1931). His poetry continues to be studied and celebrated for its lyricism, revolutionary spirit, and commitment to social issues.
Timeline
Early Life
- 1906: Telmo N. Vaca del Pozo is born in San José de Chimbo, Province of Bolívar, Ecuador.
- 1919 (Age 13): Publishes his first poem, marking the beginning of his literary career.
Adolescence and Early Adulthood
- 1920s: Moves with part of his family to Ambato, Ecuador, where he becomes deeply involved in the local literary and intellectual scene. During this period, he begins his journey as a poet and journalist.
- 1926 (Age 20): Founding of the Semanario La Espiga in Ambato, which he directs. This period sees the rise of his political and intellectual engagement.
Literary and Journalistic Accomplishments
- 1927 (Age 21): Publishes Labios románticos, his first poetry collection. This work solidifies his reputation as a lyrical poet.
- 1928 (Age 22): Publishes Voz de bronce y otras voces, his second poetry collection, which further cements his standing in the Ecuadorian literary world. He wins the prestigious Flor Natural award for his poem Sinfonías de Navidad during the Juegos Florales in Guayaquil.
- Late 1920s: Gains recognition as one of Ecuador’s foremost young poets, receiving critical praise in both national and international publications. Commentators highlight his revolutionary spirit and originality.
Educational and Professional Milestones
- 1930s: Graduates as a Doctor in Law and Jurisprudence from the University of Guayaquil, launching a multifaceted career that includes legal practice and continued engagement in journalism and politics.
- 1931: Publishes Sinfonías de América, another key poetic work.
- 1940s: Publishes El periodismo y las leyes de imprenta, an important treatise on journalism and freedom of the press, reflecting his involvement in media and advocacy for journalistic ethics.
Personal Life and Legacy
- Marriage: Marries Carmen América Villacrés, with whom he has one daughter, Rosa Vaca de Pachano.
- 1950: Passes away in Guayaquil, Ecuador, at the age of 44. His death is widely mourned by Ecuadorian society, with significant tributes from fellow writers and journalists.
Posthumous Recognition
- 2000: His Antología Poética is published, collecting some of his most important works, including Labios románticos, Voz de bronce y otras voces, and Sinfonías de América.
- Ongoing: Telmo N. Vaca del Pozo is remembered as one of Ecuador’s leading literary figures, with his works studied and celebrated for their lyricism, revolutionary spirit, and ethical engagement.
Poems
VOZ DEL ALMA LATINA
Yanquilandia:
rodaja de acero
que sangra el rostro de la América Nueva.
Resiste el Continente
puñales de bronce y de piedra
en un juego de babeles.
Rasca-cielos:
desde las altas torres
tiran lazos a Dios
para sentarlo en las Sillas Eléctricas
ó en las Horcas.
Yanquis: Sagitarios blancos;
monstruos que amasan el acero
y hacen locomotoras veloces
para amarrar el mundo
en los Bancos de Wall-Street.
Aviones Yanquis: puentes a todas partes,
anudan el pensamiento de los pueblos
con sus vuelos de alcatraces.
Dempsey y Tunney encienden por el cable
el sistema nervioso del Planeta......
La ambición alza sus garras,
como un rayo sobre las nubes,
para hincar en el vientre
de los pueblos del Sur.
Un huracán de espasmos
rueda sobre las olas del Pacífico
y las islas de Galápagos rugen
como bravíos toros enjaulados
a las cuatro puertas de los cuatro vientos......
Yanquis: Corceles nórdicos. Sus cascos
rompen el cristal de la conciencia
y saltan los vidrios por los aires
en forma de protestas.
Corceles. Escupen vejámenes
a los dioses rengos de los otros pueblos.
Enjezados de EMPRESTITO
cabalga la Fuerza del Dollar
y así, jinetea por los templos y jardines
de la Tierra del Sol.
Hay que poner frenos de rayos
en los belfos:
sólo de un árbol de mechas
brotará la flor del Código Nuevo......!
Cuando evolucione Dios
serán las enriedaduras
vetas de explosivos
los dos mares, hirviendo como un león en furia,
tragarán ese tablero de ajedrez, en que se juega
la dignidad del Mundo.
¡Garras que nos dividen,
Bancos que nos compran y nos venden
en los Mercados Financieros;
Frances que nos trituran,
o nos escupen en el rostro;
Cascos del Caballo de Atila
que pasan en marchas de blasfemia
sobre nuestros dominios floridos!!
¡Yanquis: corceles de acero pudlage
con músculos de mármol,
con venas de alambre
y sangre de electricidad......!
Bancos: hornos de fundición
Tribunales de Justicia con Guillotinas y Horcas
Constitución Yanqui: daga internada en el cuello
del respeto internacional!!
Los rasca-cielos disparan carcajadas
a Rusia...... Y tocan Jazz-Band
a las tentadoras Islas de Colón......
PERO:
El siglo se encoje, encrepado, como un tigre
el Pacífico se hincha de amenazas
rugen nuestras selvas
y los Incas nos gritan
desde los rojos balcones del Sol.
Y......
Dios dará vuelta a su manivela
para que caigan sobre las cuatro mayúsculas (EE. UU.)
las estrellas celestes
como BOMBAS......!
MI CANTO
A manera del ave que canta cuando mira
la fuga de la tarde...... la luz...... la tempestad,
yo hago un bouquet de ritmos polícromos la lira
cuando ya me sazona de dioses la Soledad......
Cuando estoy solo, y triste. Y cada vez que siento
que mi pecho es una ánfora de rosas o de espinas,
trueco siempre en ritmos de luz el sentimiento;
prendo sordas canciones, o ágiles notas finas.
Y canto, a mi manera: la gracia del Amor
la Muerte, la divina Rebeldía, el Dolor;
y a veces, ese sordo cansancio del Hastío.
Y llevando encendida de canto la garganta
como ave-flor sonora del árbol en que canta—
daré naturalmente la flor del canto MÍO.
YO SOY UNA CAMPANA
de cristal en tus manos,
campana consagrada de ritmo y de emoción
cuando tu amor me pulsa doy mis sones arcanos
como en el día bíblico de la Resurrección......
Y temo el estallido: pues soy una campana
de cristal delicado que vibra de por sí,
vuela mi trino, alegre, al sol de la mañana
pero el Dolor, al Vésper, repica siempre en mí.
Cuando la noche riega su sombra en las colinas
y en mi torre se juntan las locas golondrinas,
yo soy una campana de triste y lento son.
Ténme bien en tus manos...... Y ahora, por las albas
que surgen de tus ojos, voy a lanzar mis salvas:
(yo soy una campana de gloria y de emoción......)
EL MILAGRO
Como una hebra de luz, que es un trino dorado
que al encender la sombra es también armonía,
una dulce mirada errante ha penetrado
en el alma nocturna de mi vida sombría.
Y vuelven mis pupilas a mirar las estrellas
tejer su vellón blanco de luz sobre los huertos
¡Cómo se alza el fantasma débil de las querellas
de otrora, y las glorias de los ensueños muertos!
Mirada: cinta rubia que enmarca mis dolores.
Pero, si se mustiaron en mi interior las flores,
¿a qué este vano esperar en otra Primavera?
No obstante, hubo al mirarme un azul de cariño,
y siento en mis tristezas una ilusión de niño,
unas ternuras santas de amor......... ¡y una quimera!
Selected Works
- Labios románticos (1927)
- Voz de bronce y otras voces (1928) Read it here.
- Sinfonías de América (1931)
- El periodismo y las leyes de imprenta (1941)
- Antología Poética (2000) — A posthumous collection of his most important works, including Labios románticos, Voz de bronce y otras voces, and Sinfonías de América
References
- Google Books. “Voz de bronce y otras voces by Telmo N. Vaca del Pozo.” Retrieved on September 25, 2024.
- Pérez Pimentel, Rodolfo. “Vaca, Telmo N.” Retrieved on September 25, 2024.
- Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana “Benjamín Carrión” Núcleo de Bolívar. “Telmo N. Vaca del Pozo Biography by Rosa Vaca de Pachano.” Retrieved on September 25, 2024.