Struggling for Definition

My complicated perceptions of me
met your expectations on the stair
and we grappled there
locked eye to eye
struggling for definition
We both perspired a bit
and then stood back
afraid of what we'd done
and what we'd seen
of each other and ourselves

Tried to breathe more naturally
and wrap our words
in a prettier paper
After all, if one's in love
a gift's the thing to give
and wrapping means so much
Plenty of time, long after the party
to throw away what's torn
sweep up the leavings
and get back down to business

Ah business, sweet business
profitable business
We are there now
and my perceptions
are loose once more
Your expectations
have become more polished
And I feel us drawing swords
somewhere on a landing
half up, not yet halfway down