André Bénard
 (1922-2016)
 

For eight years he co-led the effort to
construct the Eurotunnel. Problems grew—
political agenda, technical
delays, financial strains, irascible
investors. Decades spent employed at Shell
enabled him to work with others well,
yet his best efforts in diplomacy
could not stop charges of duplicity,
a French investigation, then a trial
with an acquittal. Was all worth his while?
From start to finish, he had doubts but got
“the damn thing” done, a feat which meant a lot
to England. Honored with a knighthood, he
retired to olive trees and poetry.

Jane Blanchard

If you have any comments on this poem, Jane Blanchard would be pleased to hear from you.