Nick Ascroft’s Poignant New Poetry Collection Offers Unique Farewell

The poetic landscape has been enriched with the release of Nick Ascroft’s latest collection, titled It’s What He Would Have Wanted. Published by Te Herenga Waka University Press in 2025, this collection has garnered attention for its candid and humorous take on life and death, inviting readers to reflect on their own mortality with both laughter and poignancy.

Ascroft’s work explores the intricacies of human existence through a series of unconventional requests he imagines for his own funeral. From a desire for a minimalist burial—“just a small utilitarian series of pyramids”—to a plea for no elaborate grieving rituals, he establishes a tone that is both irreverent and deeply personal. The poem opens with a striking statement: “When I die, I want as little fuss as possible.” This sets the stage for a collection that blends humor with heartfelt reflection, making it a compelling read for those pondering the meaning of their own lives.

Humor Meets Reflection in Ascroft’s Verse

Throughout the collection, Ascroft employs a mix of whimsy and dark humor, as he contemplates the absurdities of death. One particularly memorable line states, “If I die on bin day, take the win,” a humorous acknowledgment of the everyday realities that accompany life’s final moments. His playful tone invites readers to engage with the often-taboo subject of death in a light-hearted manner, prompting them to consider their own preferences for remembrance.

Ascroft’s work is not without its poignant moments. He reflects on relationships, memory, and the impact of dementia, weaving a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced similar challenges. His candid acknowledgment of struggles, such as “If in the last ten years of my life you struggled with my dementia,” adds depth to his exploration of mortality, reminding readers of the shared human experience of loss and longing.

The collection also features an imaginative twist on afterlife themes, as Ascroft humorously contemplates reincarnation as a Manchester United fan and the potential for haunting various establishments. “The only noble death is by misadventure, inshallah,” he quips, blending cultural references with personal anecdotes that keep readers engaged.

A Unique Legacy and Call to Action

Ascroft’s poetry serves as a reminder to embrace life with humor, urging individuals not to take their own mortality too seriously. His concluding request for the poem to be read at his funeral encapsulates his desire for laughter and reflection, stating it would be “funny at first and then misjudged.” This encapsulates the essence of his work: a playful yet serious engagement with the inevitable.

The collection is now available for purchase at bookstores nationwide, priced at $30. Ascroft’s poetry invites readers to find solace in shared experiences and the humorous side of life’s most serious moments.

In a world often characterized by the fear of death, It’s What He Would Have Wanted encourages readers to approach the topic with a sense of humor and acceptance. Ascroft’s unique perspective offers a refreshing take on what it means to truly live and how to face the end with dignity and laughter.