with torn and bleeding hearts

we wear the mask that grins

and lies hides our

cheeks and shades our eyes

this debt we pay to human guile

with torn and bleeding hearts

we smile and mouth

with myriad subtleties

why should the world be overwise

and counting all our tears and sighs

may let them only see us

while we wear the mask

we smile but o great

christ our cries to thee from tortured

souls arise

we sing but oh the clay is vile

beneath our feet and long the mile

but let the world dream otherwise

we wear the mask
you