Third Act Problems presents 53 poems on the vagaries of the universe, the absurdity of the everyday, and the tragedy of the unfulfilled. James Earle McCracken takes the next step in his development as a unique voice on the American literary scene with this powerful collection of new work. Alternately acerbic and sensitive, McCracken muses on subjects ranging from the routine to the tragic, from the frustrations of the office cubicle to the premature death of a sibling. Insights on the unpredictable nature of creativity, life the day after the Apocalypse, and the historical significance of deep fried turkey are among the subjects offered for scrutiny. Crisp composition, steely-eyed insight and uncompromising sentiments make Third Act Problems essential reading.