Bridges of Words is a poetry collection by Esperanza Pretila, published through ALPJ and Sons in mid-2025. It is a haiku anthology that seeks to unite readers across cultures through quiet observation, emotional resonance, and the minimalist power of the haiku form.
Esperanza Pretila, originally from the Philippines and now based in Australia, brings a unique combination of editorial experience and cultural insight to the collection. She has held various editorial roles and has been involved in socio-entrepreneurial and literary work, blending a deep understanding of human experience with her writing.
The collection comprises hundreds of original haiku poems, each inspired by one of 57 different countries. The haikus adhere to the traditional seventeen-syllable structure and aim to evoke cultural moments, shared human emotions, and snapshots of daily life. Rather than over-explaining, the poems invite reflection, using imagery and feeling to bridge geographic and cultural differences.
Bridges of Words was launched in July 2025, with digital editions available initially and paperback copies following shortly after. The book is approximately 130–132 pages long and is crafted to be accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
The work explores themes of unity, diversity, culture, humanity, and travel. Its style is minimalist — contemplative haikus grounded in sensory and cultural detail — designed to foster empathy, reflection, mindfulness, and awareness of shared human experiences across borders.
The collection has received positive recognition, reaching top rankings in poetry categories on major online platforms and winning the Literary Titan Gold Book Award in poetry. It has been praised for its artistry, emotional depth, and ability to evoke a sense of place without over-explaining.
Bridges of Words is suitable for readers of all ages who appreciate concise poetic forms, cultural reflection, and mindful reading. Its emphasis on emotional imagery and global perspectives makes it both a literary and inspirational experience.
Related
Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures from 57 Countries of the World by Esperanza Pretila Officially Launched
ALPJ and Sons has officially announced the release of a distinctive new poetry collection: Bridges of Words: Haikus Uniting Cultures from 57 Countries of the World by Esperanza Pretila.