Agha Shahid Ali met James Merrill in Arizona, United States. Merrill was visiting a reading group. Shahid learned about it and requested to meet him. He even arranged a meal for James. James was happy with meal and was soon attracted to Shahid. A good relationship blossomed between them. After meeting James, Shahid changed his poetic style. His poems became more formal.  He started using metrical patterns and verses. He used Canzone and sestina verse  forms.

Introduction:
James Merrill, an influential American poet, had a significant impact on the poetry of Agha Shahid Ali, an acclaimed Kashmiri-American poet. Merrill's unique style, themes, and exploration of personal and universal experiences influenced Shahid's poetry in multiple ways.

Influence on Poetic Style:
1. Formalism: Merrill's mastery of formal poetic structures, such as sonnets and villanelles, inspired Shahid to experiment with intricate forms in his own poetry.
2. Metrical and Rhythmic Patterns: Merrill's meticulous attention to meter and rhythm motivated Shahid to pay careful consideration to these aspects in his own verses.
3. Musicality: Both Merrill and Shahid infused their poetry with musical elements. Merrill's use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance influenced Shahid's incorporation of similar techniques to create a musical quality in his poems.

Exploration of Themes:
1. Identity: Merrill's exploration of personal and cultural identity resonated with Shahid, who also grappled with questions of identity as a Kashmiri-American. This shared theme prompted Shahid to delve deeper into his own cultural heritage and incorporate it into his poetry.
2. Love and Relationships: Both poets explored the complexities of love and relationships in their work. Merrill's nuanced portrayal of personal and romantic connections inspired Shahid to explore similar themes, often through the lens of longing, loss, and separation.
3. Mortality and Loss: Merrill's contemplation of mortality and the experience of grief influenced Shahid's poetic explorations of loss, particularly in the context of the Kashmir conflict. Shahid's elegiac poetry often reflects the sense of loss and longing found in Merrill's work.

Exploration of Personal and Universal Experiences:
1. Autobiographical Elements: Merrill's incorporation of autobiographical elements in his poetry encouraged Shahid to draw from his personal experiences and memories, infusing his verses with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth.
2. Mythology and History: Both poets drew upon mythology, history, and literary allusions to enrich their poetry. Merrill’s use of these elements inspired Shahid to explore Kashmiri history, Sufi traditions, and Persian poetry, creating a rich tapestry of cultural and literary references in his own work.

Conclusion:
James Merrill's distinct poetic style, thematic exploration, and incorporation of personal and universal experiences had a profound influence on Agha Shahid Ali's poetry. Merrill's formalism, musicality, and exploration of themes like identity, love, mortality, and loss inspired Shahid to craft his own unique poetic voice, resulting in the creation of powerful and evocative verses that continue to resonate with readers.