Some strong metaphors here, Megan. I am going to hazard that you ask a rhetorical question here because, to me, it certainly is a choice. The imagery you provide seems to make that choice a whole lot easier too: just take hold of those oars, and row to calmer waters.
Great work

Strong message to put one to think, even if the reader doesn't know much about the elements that you used to create the metaphors - myself included. By the way, it reminded me right away of the message transmitted in many lines of the poem Sportcruiser by Lana Del Rey.