"Colloquial poetry is to the real art as the barber's wax dummy is to sculpture"

This quote by Ezra Pound is a comparison in between colloquial poetry and real art. He is recommending that colloquial poetry is a superficial replica of real art, just like a barber's wax dummy is a shallow imitation of a sculpture. Pound is implying that colloquial poetry lacks the depth and intricacy of real art, and is merely a shallow imitation. He is recommending that real art is much more meaningful and powerful than colloquial poetry. Pound is highlighting the importance of creating significant art, instead of opting for a superficial imitation. He is suggesting that genuine art is something that needs to be valued and valued, which it ought to not be eclipsed by colloquial poetry. Pound is encouraging artists to strive for significant art, instead of choosing a shallow imitation.