Tempt — Summary

My eyes are big and dark and doe-like Dark as a moonless sky but turn into a golden amber when the sun hits just right The eyes of a predatory acting like prey Making myself submissive looking with those big watery eyes Tempting you closer

My teeth are sharp and lie with a wicked tongue They both hide behind pouty lips that can turn into a smile that's just a little too perfect This mouth will tell you things that tempt you nearer with sweet promises and drown out the voices that scream at you to run away

My nails are long and durable Strong and sharp in a way that could cut sharper than any blade you wield or words you throw They are decorated in soft colors though Catching your eye to tempt you to take a closer look

I'll paint myself harmless Then when you've been tempted into my grasp and lay at my feel willingly I'll show you how poorly mistaken you were to think I was prey for even a second

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The speaker describes her own body, her eyes, mouth and nails, as tools of a trap. Each one looks gentle at first. Her big, doe-like eyes seem soft and submissive, her smile seems sweet, and her nails are painted in soft colors. But under each harmless surface is something dangerous: a predator's gaze, sharp teeth and a "wicked tongue," and nails that can cut deeper than any blade or insult.

The repeated word "tempt" shows what she is doing. She plays the part of prey on purpose, drawing someone close with sweet promises until their warning instincts go quiet. The final stanza is the reveal. Once the person lies willingly at her feet, she will show how wrong they were to underestimate her.

The mood is seductive and confident, with a cold edge of menace. The speaker doesn't sound ashamed of her deception. She sounds proud of it, and the poem reads as a warning about judging by appearances.

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