What would have happened if John Stone had chosen a different adjective such as serious? It would not have the same depth of meaning.
The meaning would stay exactly the same.
It wouldn’t imply how all-encompassing their seriousness can be.
The poem would not have fit the theme of the art as well.

It would not have the same depth in meaning.

Explanation: Using a more rarely-heard word (generally) gives more depth to a piece of writing.

love

explanation:

when alex falls for the charming new boy at school, cole -- a handsome, funny, sports star who adores her - she can't believe she's finally found her soul who truly loves and understands her.  

at first, alex is blissfully happy. sure, cole seems a little jealous of her relationship with her close friend zack, but what guy would want his girlfriend spending all her time with another boy? as the months pass, though, alex can no longer ignore cole's small put-downs, pinches, or increasingly violent threats.  

as alex struggles to come to terms with the sweet boyfriend she fell in love with and the boyfriend whose "love" she no longer recognizes, she is forced to choose -- between her "true love" and herself.

explanation: