How to Write a Love Poem That Doesn’t Suck

Writing a love poem is harder than it sounds...

Too often, romantic poetry falls into clichés and predictable language, making it feel generic rather than personal. How do you craft a love poem that truly moves the reader and captures deep emotion?

If you’ve ever struggled to find the right words, my latest YouTube video explores how to write a love poem that is original, heartfelt, and unforgettable.

The Philosophy of Love and Poetry

"Love is the only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of human existence." — Erich Fromm

Fromm reminds us that love is more than an emotion—it is an act of giving and understanding. Great romantic poetry should reflect this depth, going beyond admiration to express the true essence of love.

Plato, in Symposium, describes love as a force that moves us toward truth and beauty. Writing poetry, then, is not just about emotion—it is about discovery, meaning, and the art of expressing connection.

The Romantic Poets that changed everything

If you’re looking for some romantic poets for inspiration, here are my top 5 favorites to get you started:

  1. The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm

  2. The Big Red Book by Rumi

  3. Love Poems by Pablo Neruda

  4. Burns by Robert Burns (edited by Gerard Carruthers)

  5. Collected Poems by Edna Vincent Millay

How to write a love poem that doesn’t suck

In this video, I explore how to write a love poem that stands out—whether you are writing for a partner, a special occasion like Valentine’s Day, or simply to understand the philosophy of love through poetry.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to use vivid imagery to make emotions feel real

  • Why sensory language matters in poetry

  • Common mistakes that make love poems sound generic

  • Techniques used by great poets to create powerful love poetry

A truly great love poem is not about grand declarations—it is about capturing the essence of connection in words that feel both personal and universal. Whether you are a beginner poet or an experienced writer, this video will help you refine your craft and create poetry that resonates.


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The Power of Poetry, Community, and Attention: A Conversation with Dr. Ann Buxie

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Carl Jung, Art, and Poetry