Recently, our neighborhood on Drummond Avenue South celebrated Davis’ Neighbors Night Out with our annual potluck/barbecue. This year we held our gathering in memory of our beautiful neighbor Thelma Kido, who passed away in July. Our guest of honor was Thelma’s husband Hiroshi.

Thelma and Hiroshi lived in their house alongside the Putah Creek bike path for more than 40 years and they were a very familiar sight (along with their little white dog Moki) to all who frequented the bike path.

Davis’ first poet laureate, Allegra Silberstein, has been their next-door neighbor for all of those years and she presented a beautiful poem about Thelma to Hiroshi and to gathered neighbors.

I thought the poem would be enjoyed by everyone whose lives Thelma may have touched, from her years at UC Davis (she was secretary to Gladys Everson and later, registrar at the law school), to her friends and neighbors, to perfect strangers who saw her walking along the bike path for so many years, and even those who never had the pleasure of knowing Thelma Kido.

Betsy O’Hanlon
Davis

For Thelma

We are neighbors gathered here
on this blessed piece of earth,
this land, loved by you,
treasured by us too.

We remember you, Thelma,
and the gifts from your garden,
for you shared your rich harvest
and made our days bright,
with your smile — its special light
entered our hearts.

Though bent and frail
each day without fail
you worked outside …
to be in your garden
was your delight.

Though gone from our sight
you are always with us:
in the spring time of blossoms
in the summer harvest
in the bright colors of autumn
even in the rains of winter

we will remember you …
for wherever you are
you live in our hearts.

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