Latent Stupidity Poem by gershon hepner

Latent humidity never is visible
till it’s attached to a particle;
latent stupidity isn’t derisible
till it’s debunked in an article.

Inspired by William Hurt’s comparison of acting without reflection, as occurs in the forthcoming season of “Damages, ” in which he will star with Glenn Close (Dave Itzikoff, “Caution: The Story Line is Slippery, ” NYT, January 4,2009) :

Needless to say, the 11th- and 12th-hour script revisions are still a fundament part of the “Damages” process. “Around here, ” Ms. Byrne said in her dressing room, “you learn not to hang onto anything. Nothing’s gospel in this building.” But not everyone shares this begrudging acceptance of the KZK strategy. Mr. Hurt, a newcomer, said he was often frustrated that he did not understand his role or his story line as well as his veteran cast mates understood theirs. “I don’t think in the rush to get the second season going that I was given the same moment of reflection, ” he said, “so that I could come up with an idea for my character.” Comparing his method to a scientific principle of condensation (by which, he said, “latent humidity doesn’t become visible moisture until there’s a particulate in the air to which it can attach”) , Mr. Hurt said, “I’m not really an artist until I have something to attach myself to.” He said his annoyance was offset by the satisfaction of working with Ms. Close, his longtime friend and “Big Chill” co-star, but added: “I felt like the person on the set who knew the least. I had to wonder whether I’m a spoiled brat for having worked in a different format.”

1/5/09