Last month was National Poetry Month. But for poets and proselytizers of poetry, the work never stops. Local poet and human dynamo Deborah Ager is the driving force behind 32 Poems, one of the most respected poetry journals in the country, one that has, in the short time its been around, attracted the attention and the work of such notable poets as Brigit Pegeen Kelly and former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins. Ager and 32 Poems are co-hosting Poetry and Music tonight at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda, combining poetry readings from local poets Sandra Beasley and Bernadette Geyer with songs performed by the group The Caribbean.

DCist interviewed Ager about the origins of 32 Poems and her own poetic background.

Why 32 Poems? What’s the significance of that title?

I like numbers. 32 happens to be, mathematically speaking, the best number of poems to read in two sittings, and the perfect number for a small magazine. Almost sacred, in fact.

What prompted your interest in poetry? When did you first start writing poetry? Why?

I’ve loved poetry since I was able to read. My first favorite poet was Christina Rossetti. A poem of hers appeared in a book of poetry my grandfather gave me. Once, later, a poet visited my school for the Poets in the Schools Program. That was about the best day in the first 12 years of my education.