9Poetry. WHAT THE GRATITUDE LIST SAID TO THE BUCKET LIST is an invitation to notice the world around us and appreciate its gifts. Heffernan pays homage to the loved ones who have shaped her world view, and the poets who have inspired her to express that view. A firm adherent to Jack Gilbert's declaration that we must "risk joy," Heffernan invites readers to do exactly that--even while recognizing grief that often goes hand-in-hand with gratitude.