What's Behind The Mask? Poem by DM W

Masks of comedy; masks of tragedy;
Bright masks of illusion and fantasy,
Are perhaps ancient forms of catharsis
But what kind of presence lies behind them?
Timid, shallow or deeply profound souls?
Elegant messengers of joy or woe?
Those who require audience applause?
Those who seek some release from rigid laws?
What I do know is, that brief on stage moments,
Rarely reflect the angst of back stage moments.