Symbol Analysis
A crown made of laurel leaves is an ancient and powerful symbol of victory. In this case, it refers specifically to the crown that was given to the best poet in a competition. Have you ever heard of someone being called a "poet laureate"? That's where that term comes from—the poet who wears the laurel crown. What, did you think they won a gold-plated beret or something?
- Line 46: Our speaker isn't interested in glory. She's happy with the simple satisfaction that goes along with expressing her talents. Instead of going with the mighty symbol of victory, the laurel, she goes with much humbler plants. She wants a crown made of thyme or parsley, symbols of cooking and the home.