The family in Naples, Italy

spread across the entrance of a narrow side street

 are friendly at first, smiling to me striding by.

 Several grimy children run over to cavort beside me.

 A large seated man (the father?) waves me over.

 But I wave, smile and walk on.

Their curses and some small rocks now hurled at

 my back as I hurry toward the bay gleaming below

 there to mentally wash away this unintended insult

 and lay down this most vivid memory of Naples.