Waitress? Here's One From Neil

You want to know what's tougher than playing hockey? From this spectator's point of view, the toughest job around is being a waitress.

There's some unwanted contact, unrealized economic dreams and what about that smile that's required to be front and center, even when all signs point to the day being her worst yet.

Come to the city with big dreams. Now put them on the shelf for a few hours. Time work the diner floor with plates running the length of one arm, keeping the other free to whack a stray hand on the flipside. I visit the diners here in the city, and I know who's earning their living.

Neil Young wrote this gem for the "Deja Vu" album of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and it still stands up as I sit in Bryant Park, this March morning still carrying the slight chill of winter. Good days may be ahead, but the cold just won't get the hint.

My mind is on hockey. The Rangers leave their goaltender exposed time and again, disappointing their fans. The Devils did the damage last night, another insult for the Rangers, who need to go forward with confidence. But when their goaltender is working as a greeter because the defensive unit in front of him is operating on a open door policy, it gets a little tough to see the Rangers as a contender.

The Devils? They have issues, too. Perhaps both teams need some Joe and time to think.

Find out that now was the answer to answers
That you gave later
She did the things that we all did before now
But who forgave her?

Some alone time is needed. And this song gets the mind through past sins and what is needed for the rock'n'roll ride home. In another life, I was this young man from the sticks. I was alone with my thoughts and trying to count up the change for another cup of Joe around midnight at the Frontier in Albuquerque, N.M. Across they way, there's a young girl with strawberry blond hair, print peasant blouse, torn Levis and well-worn Chuck Taylors. A closed novel and an open themebook on her table.

"Country Girl" comes on a radio. The tune makes me tap my foot. Strawberry girl tells me this is her favorite. It's Strawberry girl's radio. No longer alone with my thoughts, now. We talk music, life and good, cheap Joe. And then it's time to go.

A great night, and a great song. Yes, I'm drinking up the memories now.

Waitress? May this country man have a refill? Please? Thank you.