Answer
$ 1s^2 \, 3s^1 $.
Work Step by Step
To determine the electron configuration for the second excited state of lithium, we need to see lithium's ground state and the subsequent excitation levels.
The Ground State Configuration of Lithium, which has an atomic number of 3, is
$$ 1s^2 \, 2s^1 $$
In the first excited state, the electron in the $ 2s $ orbital could be excited to the $ 2p $ orbital.
Thus, the configuration for the first excited state is:
$$ 1s^2 \, 2p^1 $$
In the second excited state, the $ 2s $ electron could be excited to a higher energy level, such as the $ 3s $ orbital.
Thus, the configuration for the second excited state is:
$$ \boxed{1s^2 \, 3s^1 }$$
