How to Use Microsoft Office to Make Shape Poems

A shape poem is a poem where the words are formatted in a way that makes the poem resemble a shape, such as a heart or diamond. The subject of the poem typically describes or has a connection to the shape chosen for the poem. For instance, if the poem is about Ireland, then you might choose a shamrock as the shape for the poem. You can create a shape poem using the Microsoft Windows native image editor, Paint.

Click the "Start" menu, then click "All Programs" and "Accessories."

Click "Paint" to launch the program.

Click the "Pencil" tool in the toolbar.

Draw an outline of the shape you have chosen for the shape poem on the canvas.

Click the "Text" tool in the toolbar.

Click and drag to create a text box inside the edges of the shape.

Type the poem in the text area. Use the "Tab" and "Spacebar" keys to move text over until it is within the boundaries created by the shape's outline. Press "Enter" to drop down to the next line. Click the "Text" tool, then click inside the shape to create more text boxes within the shape as needed.

Click the "Eraser" tool in the toolbar.

Erase the outline of the shape from around the poem.

Click the "File" menu, then click "Save" to save the poem.