Images in the Clouds: reading the sky is a collection of poems and images debuting Maria Wells' poetry, following her career in academia. Some poems are memories of places and people from her life and travels, some are pure fantasy and imagination. She presents jewels from her treasure trunk with verse, colored photos and artwork, on a voyage to inner and outer worlds, going forward and back in time. The poems speak in detail of a deeply felt life of travel, events and people, capturing tranquility and chaos within the lines. Every image, every phrase, every recollection rings true with a sense of emotion and quiet intelligence. Reflective thoughts, entertaining stories, refreshing realism, striking paradoxes, humor, wisdom and ethereal moments combine to elevate the spirit.