Exploring Love Through Poetry:

Understanding that the word is not the thing

*This article has been repurposed for Medium, revised and expanded from my Psychology Today Blog, May 2, 2025

“It is difficult

to get the news from poems

Yet men die miserably every day

for lack of what is found there”

William Carlos Williams

We are constantly evolving and learning to learn. That is how "loving" comes to life, and poetry shines. Poetry speaks from the heart, goes beyond the confines of acceptable grammar, and gives credence to being open to new possibilities.

Since nouns are static and content-bound by nature, I prefer active verbs to play with, some of which you must make up that celebrate context. Now, let me share my affection for the verb "Stochastically." It is a favorite verb of mine, and means the active process of random patterns that cannot be predicted. Think of a time when you were undecided about what you would like to do. Visualize that you have a handful of darts to be thrown at a dartboard. One dart may hit the bull's eye or come relatively close to it, and the others randomly land where they may. Each represents a possible thought, direction, or difference that will make a difference to pursue.

This allows something to emerge from what is hidden within you, but not necessarily unknown, to inspire you to improvise, all of which will be poems in some…