What is the ruling on a Muslim poet using alcohol in his poems, or likening his beloved to God?

If the intention behind using the word "khamr" (wine/intoxicant) is to describe it and entice others towards it, then it is forbidden. However, if the intention is to liken certain reprehensible matters to it, then there is no harm in that. Scholars have used this, for instance, stating that "the intoxication of worldly love is greater than the intoxication of wine," and "the world enchants minds." As for likening a beloved to God, that is a great abomination and a grave disrespect towards Allah.