So long the bells of my
imagination seemed to sleep
that now in ardent splendor
ring for me in dreams
of splendid harmony,
for now I hear them
chiming songs of gold,
ringing just for me.

I hear them in the daytime
and when I’m fast asleep;
they brighten up the evenings
when dusk designs to fall
and all the shadows in the hall
bent in solemn piety.

So long the bells of my
imagination yearned for
solace in applause, accolades
paid for a job well done, with
ribbons red and purple
entangled in my hair -
O sweet charity!

Now nightly do they follow
jingling loudly as they go,
stepping sprightly in the hall,
where hang triumphant laurels,
when dusk designs to fall.

Alicia Patti

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/applause-2/