Virginia R. Kessel-Smith

Moonlight on Manila Bay

A light, serene, ethereal glory rests

Its beams effulgent on each crestling wave;

The silver touches of the moonlight wave

The deep bare bosom that the breeze molests;

While lingering whispers deepen as the wavy crests

Roll with weird rhythm, now gay, now gently grave;

And floods of lambent light appear the sea to pave—

All cast a spell that heeds not time’s behests.

Not always such the scene; the din of fight

Has swelled the murmur of the peaceful air;

Here East and West have oft displayed their might;

Dark battle clouds have dimmed this scene so fair;

Here bold Olympia, one historic night,

Presaging freedom, claimed a people’s care.

A visitation for Virginia will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Cheyenne, 7400 West Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89129.