To be, and not merely seem to be
is the core of authenticity.
Those who, instead, essay a role,
(like actors in a classic play),
Hold up a mask before their face.
They speak what others bid them say.
These merely seem to have a soul.
Such folk are fools or clones or trolls.

Those who tread the stony road
Where honor truth and virtue dwell
need no  masks or other wiles
The truth will serve them well.