Heres a virtual movie of a recitation of a mysterious little poem by English poet James Reeves (1909 - 1978) called "Little Fan" Its about a Mermaid.

I have employed the visual services of an unknown Victorian lady as the face of my reader in this virtual movie.

The real name of James Reeves was John Morris (1909 - 1978), a British writer known for his poetry and contributions to children's literature and the literature of collected traditional songs.

He was born in Harrow, and educated at Stowe School and Jesus College, Cambridge.[1] He taught until 1952, when he became a full-time writer.

Kind Regards

Jim Clark
All rights are reserved on this video recording copyright Jim Clark 2009

Little Fan.............

"I don't like the look of little Fan, mother,
I don't like her looks a little bit.
Her face-well, it's not exactly different,
But there's something wrong with it.

"She went down to the sea-shore yesterday,
And she talked to somebody there,
Now she won't do anything but sit
And comb out her yellowy hair.

"Her eyes are shiny and she sings, mother,
Like nobody ever sang before.
Perhaps they gave her something queer to eat,
Down by the rocks on the shore."

"Speak to me, speak, little Fan dear,
Aren't you feeling very well?
Where have you been and what are you singing,
And what's that seaweedy smell?

"Where did you get that shiny comb, love,
And those pretty coral beads so red?
Yesterday you had two legs, I'm certain,
But now there's something else instead."

"I don't like the looks of little Fan, mother,
You'd best go and close the door.
Watch now, or she'll be gone for ever
To the rocks by the brown sandy shore." (less info)