Final answer:
The question addresses the paradox in Countee Cullen's poem, which indeed exists in the lines provided. It highlights the poet's skill in blending classical form with the irony of being an African-American poet in the early 20th century.
Step-by-step explanation:
The paradox in "Yet do I Marvel" by Countee Cullen is indeed articulated in the lines "yet do I marvel at this curious thing: to make a poet black and bid him sing." This statement encapsulates the contradiction of a black poet who is recognized and celebrated for his art, which often conforms to classical forms, yet who faces the everyday realities of racial prejudice and discrimination. Cullen skillfully employs classical references and his adeptness with traditional English poetry to underscore the ironical circumstance of his own position, juxtaposing a deep appreciation for the poetic craft with an awareness of the social and racial constraints of his time.