The body language of the person could be read by just observing the way he held or used the stick.
Like if the tip was held firmly to the carpet, it means silent disagreement, or if the nob is tapped to the lips means farewel.
Now if we see some some one with a stick we usually label that person as old and weak and "needs a stick to walk"
pic by Ocean Jeff on Flickr |
There is a guy named Shuey, (63) who is a grand master in "Cane Fu," the self-defense art he invented. He enjoys demonstrating the lethal uses of a cane and how it can be used against attackers / muggers.
And then those who want to discreetly have their drinks, there was the Tippling Canes, or Tipplers, they have hollowed-out compartments near the top where flasks or vial were fitted to hold the alcohol.
There is even a song written by Irwin Berlin titled My Walking Stick. It goes like this :
[Verse:]
Take away my high hats
Take away my favorite tie
Take away my white spats
I'll still get by
But my walking stick
You simply must let that be
I mean you can't take that away from me
[Refrain:]
Without my walking stick, I'd go insane
Can't look my best, I'd feel undressed without my cane
Must have my walking stick 'cause it may rain
And when it pours, can't be outdoors without my cane
If I ever left my house without my walking stick
It would just be something I could never explain
The thing that makes me click on Lovers' Lane
Would go for naught if I were caught without my cane
And those who want to listen to it, here it is. (notice how he has played the whole thing with just one musical instrument)
And who can wield the walking stick better than Fred Astaire. Its poetry in motion.
(he was 47 when he did this)
Or for that matter the Berry Brothers and their act with the walking stick
You get all sorts of canes at Walking canes
Do you fancy a Blooming Red then you have it,
or may be just a simple one with Holy Berries ? The combinations are endless.
They even have a guide as to how to buy a walking cane
So next time when you see someone swinging a cane. . . . . . . .watch out.