second-to-last

there are advantages
to being
the second to last
state in the union
slow to catch up
to the latest vaccines
the latest televisions
and cable TV
computerized inventories 
and billing
the latest innovations
in communication
the latest washing machines
the latest computer integrated
automobiles
the latest wi-fi connected cameras
and such

there are advantages
to still owning your first car
and your radio and phonograph
and the speakers with tubes

to still remember multiplication tables
and poems by heart

others may be first on the block
first in the union
first in the world
and most popular with the new gadgets

but some of the best inventions
not all, but some
and the best kinds of healing -
the aspirin tea
the hot water bottle -
came before the latest
innovations