We Wear the Mask

We Wear the Mask by Paul Lawrence Dunbar, one of the first African American poets to gain recognition, was first published in 1896. This poem was thought to be a message about the mask black people were forced to wear in the most oppressive times and situations. But this poem really transcends all races, religions, and generations. If we could all show more compassion and less judgment, maybe our children can grow up in a world where they don't have to mask who they really are. Here is the full text of the poem. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years.