La via: A spiritual journey

by Ricaredo D. Demetillo

Preface to the Second Edition "It is almost forty years since the writing of LA VIA and thirty three since its first publication. The poetry has always impressed perceptive readers a prophetic, for its coming out occurred in 1958, more than a dozen years before the horrors of the barricades and subsequently of martial law with its attendant horrors perpetrated on countless persons. Martial law was the reality the poems of LA VIA, particularly of the frst section, prophesied. When the book first appeared, many shook their heads in disbelief, but as the terrible events unfolded, readers changed their minds and knew that poetry can be prophecy, the events extending over twenty years. Wholly Filipino in spirit, LA VIA, however is a universal work and is compelling in its beauty as art. Quite a number of persons have commented on this fact. Book I, these critics aver, is just mocking and ironic, forgetting that it subjects or "facts" call for ironyu. They also fail to see that Books II and III are deeplhy searching, noble and beautiful, as befits a religious work. Finally, we must remember in reading LA VIA, that countless tterros and evils occur, as LA VIA witnesses, but that thee are many people wo engage in many of these searches ending in reconciliation and spiritual happiness. Try reading LA VIA once more! --Ricaredo Demetillo Bulacan Street, Quezon City 1991

89 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Ricaredo D. Demetillo (1920–1998) was an award-winning Filipino essayist, poet, and playwright. He was one of the most prolific and important literary figures in the Philippines during the 20th century. His work was known for blending Eastern and Western traditions and values.

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[Michael]

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[Chenisa Loterono]

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