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.