“S.A. Borland has the tender gift of both caretaker and observer, because he doesn’t just pay attention but tries to mend things in his work. Look closely in Tertulia—nearly ever poem absolutely refuses to judge anyone, no matter what they’ve done, or shows a kind of empathy for things that some might disregard or even revile. Nearly every one of his poems in some way beg for mercy and understanding, no matter the sin or ugliness or human flaws within. How else can I describe him? Well, if you’re familiar with the poets Adrienne Rich and Frank O’Hara, you know they’d never have a love child, but if they could make one, here he would be.”