Nicholas Hughes

Wonderful papers ..a gentle life!

Having read the poetry of TH and SP all my adult life, with the inevitable references to “Nick”, news of this tragedy literally ‘took my breath away’. Even though I cannot help feeling that he would have hated a total stranger commenting on such a private act, may I send, to Frieda and Nicholas’s partner Christine, the grieved sympathy of one who has also suffered from this terrible illness.

Only one ship is seeking us,
a black-
Sailed unfamiliar,towing at
her back
A huge and birdless silence.

My deepest sympathy to Frieda and all those who knew and loved Nick. As a "suicidologist" of over 30 years time, I realize the anguish that this loss generates. I just finished reading a book of Nick's dad's letters and how, near his death, Ted Hughes spoke of feeling liberated and free by risking to speak out about his loss (in his book of poetry, "Birthday Letters") versus continuing to hold in, as he had done since Nick's mother's death. I sensed that he had wished this same liberation to...

I've been a fan of both Sylvia and Ted's writing for many years. Their's is a legacy that far outreached the poems on the page. It was hard not to get involved with their 'lives' and that included their children. I'm glad Nicholas found a place to call home here in Alaska where privacy abounds. I hope Frieda is able to maintain her privacy and continues to stay strong and determined. I read that she is an avid gardner. Hope it brings some solice. I'm very sorry for her loss and the loss of...

I didnt know Nicholas Hughes, but I felt I knew him from the poetry of his parents and in particular the published letters of Ted Hughes-hence I feel something of an emotional loss for someone I never met.  Maybe Nicholas is re-united with his Mother and Father, rest in peace.

This is quite a tragic exit, Nick, leaving us remaining earthlings with so much of your pain. You were my very best friend during our graduate study days at the University of Alaska, and I really appreciated our scientific discussions and long arguments on how to test hypotheses and conduct research on Arctic grayling. I guess the fish will also miss your homemade flies and wiggly worms. One of your favorite expressions was: "Look at those suckers - they are hoovering the bottom!". We were...

Nick, I'm sorry that you were alone when you left this world. I'm sorry that you felt such despair, and that lost in that all too familiar haze, you were unable to call your friends to help guide you through the darkness. I'm sorry that your voice is forever gone. I hope that you've found relief and peace at last. You'll never know how much you will be missed.

Very sad news. I lived in Fairbanks for 6 years, only met Mr Hughes once, but he was a very dynamic person, who left a wonderful legacy for all who love nature.
He will be greatly missed.
Condolences to his sister and companion, and all his friends.