This poem points specifically to the hardships and suffering of slaves. They were placed in such harsh conditions, and yet they did not show the pain. They did not wear their emotions on their sleeves. The made every effort to appear happy and content, while underneath the facade, they were emotionally torn up and beaten down. These lines emphasize the theme throughout the poem.
"With torn and bleeding hearts we smile" translates to just that. Although they hurt on the inside for all of the injustice of slavery and their conditions, they continue to smile. They show strength and endurance by doing this.
"And mouth with myriad subtleties" translates to their smiles having many different fine distinctions. In other words, their smiles held so many different meanings than just the simple happiness that they presented. So many other emotions were going on behind "their masks."
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