What might paul laurence dunbar mean in the following lines from his poem "we wear the mask"? we smile, but, o great christ, our cries to thee from tortured souls arise. the african american community is with its current situation in life and does not wish to change anything. although they seem unhappy, the african american community is content with life in the united states. although they smile outwardly, african americans pray for an end to their community’s struggle. the african american community prays for others to go through the same struggles that its members have faced. the african american community wants the us government to compensate them for their suffering as slaves.