When big successes come

like dropping New York's murder rate

It often starts with simple things

like cleaning up the paint.

Experimental solvents, 

and cleaning stations new

It's started in the subways, 

but to the upper streets it grew

The wave of crime the 80s knew 

kept citizens in fear

of gangs and wanderers of youth

who's methods were severe

'Til Irony in bitter wit, 

an antihero found

in Bernard Goetz, and after that 

the crime rate ran aground

in subway car graffitti first 

and ending everywhere

and in the public attitudes

instinctually aware

the new idea pioneers 

that proved we need not cry

and weep as though we're shovelling 

the shit against the tide

the rate dropped so incredibly,

no precedent is found

so was it magic, or good luck, 

what happened so profound?

Of this there is some volumes writ

So more I'll not add here

But if I may, I'll say just this

and then I'll leave with cheer

the little things can come up big

and synergize with zeal

the solvents, and mobile rigs

they started to reveal

just how big results can be 

from tiny little starts

And in this comfort shall there be

I hope it's off the charts!

http://www.salon.com/2011/11/19/what_really_cleaned_up_new_york/