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I need help interpreting a poem.?

The poem is called "Those bastards in their mansions" by Simon Armitage. My task is to interpret the poem and write about What the author is trying to say. heres is the poem: Those bastards in their mansions: to hear them shriek, you'd think I'd poisoned the dogs and vaulted the ditches, crossed the lawns in stocking feet and threadbare britches, forced the door of one of the porches, and lifted the gift of fire from the burning torches, thengiven heat and light to streets and houses, told the people how to ditch their cuffs and shackles, armed them with the iron from their wrists and ankles. Those lords and ladies in their palaces and castles, they'd have me sniffed out by their beagles, picked at by their eagles, pinned down, grilled beneath the sun. Me, I stick to the shadows, carry a gun. Ok then "old lady" I think the poem is about a Robin Hood type character thats like really pissed off with rich people so steals fire from them (like that Greek God guy Prometheus) but I don't think he means this literally and thats about it.

Public Comments

1. This is a play on the story of Prometheus who stole fire from the gods and gave it to the mortals.
2. I'd be glad to help you interpret the poem - but you haven't given any indication of what YOU think it is about or what the poet is trying to say. Give it a bit of thought, let us know what you think, and we can help you from there. Otherwise we're just doing your homework for you.
3. I got the impression that the author doesn't hold much stock in people who are wealthy and put on airs. Some how he feels wealthy people look down on him.
4. i would interpret it as a 'street person' who is unwelcome near the castles and mansions of the lords and ladies. He is dressed in rags............the rich set their dogs upon him if they see him, so, he stays unseen and carries a gun.