text: english help? when you type a poem...do you have to have all of the lines aligned or does it not matter? it does not matter, unless your class guidelines are to do so. often forms of alignment are made to differentiate transition of thought: http://www.bu.edu/agni/poetry/online/2004/bickford.html  there are several forms and if one strikes you fancy and it is for class, you may wish to preface your poem with why you have chosen a particular style: http://www.tooter4kids.com/forms_of_poetry.htm http://faculty.uca.edu/~terryw/formsofpoetry.html  but, it is best to ask your teacher/instructor.  if and when you become proficient or renown, you may do it however you like and it may become a form others opt to use. bottom line (not for a class) it is your poem, put it in a circle if you like it that way, these are the things that make them truly yours.