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# Eulogy for a Skipper
- URL: https://www.soul-riot.com/eulogy-for-a-skipper/
- Published: 2026-09-12T14:30:49.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T18:22:36.000Z
- Description: Today I said goodbye to a small Peck’s Skipper. She measured less than an inch.
- Author: Elena Corriero
- Tags: Stories, Butterflies

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/6f/eb6faa5c-5ec1-4a1f-9729-ab918987e2a2/content/images/2026/09/P9020029.jpeg)

Peck’s Skipper enjoying the Lavender

Today I said goodbye to a small Peck’s Skipper. She measures less than an inch. 

I picked her up as she lay on the cement in my driveway, unable to fly. She clung onto the leaf I offered, and I placed her on the sage, close to the ground, but she wasn’t really able to hold on. 

I took her inside, fully aware that the only thing I could do for her was to protect her from scavengers and predators, and nothing more than that. 

She kept twitching for a long time, and it occurred to me that she might have been exposed to a pesticide, but I pushed the thought away. Fortunately this is not a wealthy neighborhood, and lawns are minimally manicured (or sprayed). 

I reminded myself that skippers only live for a few weeks - a month, maybe. She may just have reached the end of her lifecycle.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/6f/eb6faa5c-5ec1-4a1f-9729-ab918987e2a2/content/images/2026/09/P9020024.jpeg)

But nonetheless, she deserved a eulogy. Here it is. 

But a few days of summer  
Is all my life's worth  
Led as I am -  
Despite myself-  
By a drive  
To no end.

I didn’t take any pictures, because it didn’t feel quite right. So the pictures you see are of what may or may not be a different skipper, shot on a different day. 

I really suck at this acceptance thing, don’t I? I guess this could be a good reason to be into spiders. They live much longer. 

(And yes, I already see a therapist, in case you were wondering.) 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/eb/6f/eb6faa5c-5ec1-4a1f-9729-ab918987e2a2/content/images/2026/09/P9020030.jpeg)

Elena Corriero

**Note:** *I’m not a butterfly expert, so if this is not a Peck’s Skipper, or if any of the information here is incorrect, please let me know!*

All images shot with OM5 mark ii, OM40-150mm lens, freehand.

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