What I like about using the cane

Miss Iceni, in her study, seated and brandishing a dragon cane

I am often asked how I feel when giving a caning (by people on the receiving end) and whether I enjoy it or get anything from it. I think you can see from my film clips, and anyone who has been caned by me will agree, it is clear that I like it. A lot. I gave a caning at a party recently, and a comment, from one of my friends who watched, was that I seem to be transfixed by the task at hand, and totally focussed. He said it was clear I was absolutely present in the moment. It is definitely one of my favourite implements and methods of corporal punishment. And I do get a lot from using the cane. So I shall describe here what I like about caning, and how I go about it.

First of all, I like the ritual and the slowing down. The miscreant is told they are to receive the cane, instructed where to stand, how to disrobe/remove underwear, what position to assume. They may be made to kneel on the Eton Flogging Block, in which case they could be restrained with buckled straps at the wrists and torso, or over the high punishment stool with restraints at the wrists and ankles. I do not like spanking benches- practical as they are, I find them ugly. The caning stool is slightly better for caning as it presents the bottom well, and at a correct height and angle. These 2 pieces of furniture allow the possibility of strapping them down for their punishment, although I also enjoy it when the person is made to take the cane without being tied down. For example, over the arm of my red leather sofa, with their face buried in the cushions or in the rich leather. Bent over the school desk is perfect and proper, as is bent over the back of a chair, made to touch their toes (if they can), or standing with hands against the wall and bottom out.

Sometimes, once they are in position, I draw out the anticipation by placing the cane in sight- on the floor under their head, on the desk in the corner of the room, or on the chair next to them, and by making them wait. Waiting is a very powerful tool we disciplinarians often forget to use. It allows for the nerves to swell, for the fear to set in, for the mind to run amok, so that when you eventually deliver the punishment it is far more intense. I sometimes even leave the room to let them stew for a while. I move to the kitchen or other room, and quietly smile to myself at their predicament.

Before we start I will explain to them how many cane strokes they are to take, whether they should count, if I want them to say thank you or sorry, and that if they get it wrong, we will start again from the beginning, and go back to stroke number one. This lecture or sentence can be given while flexing the cane, as I am well aware of the power of the sight of a woman holding a curved cane in her hands. During or just after these solemn instructions a good swish can be helpful to put the fear of God into them. I love hearing a little whimper or seeing them twitch with fright when they hear it.

I will often delay the first stroke, or tap the cane lightly on their bottom while lining up. As I said, anticipation is everything. Before the first stroke, the feet must be placed firmly and correctly, weight nicely distributed, so you feel grounded. Small steps forward or back are helpful. You must be at the right distance, and line up in your mind where the cane is going. I have been told it is similar to how sportspeople prepare- almost like readying for a golf shot- visualise the arc of the cane, and the impact, for success and accuracy. Talking of accuracy I would 100% sacrifice some force for this- it is always better to hit in the right place than to hit really hard and wrap the cane or hit too high. There is real pleasure for me as the cane strikes the bottom where I want it to go, and I love the reaction- the jump, the wriggle, the fingers clutching the desk or stool, the curling of the toes or, if bent over a desk for example, and able to stand up briefly, the ‘cane dance’ after the stroke.

There is something delicious in watching the cane stripe steadily turn red on their bottom, specially if it is a cold caning. Seeing the stripes build up with each stroke is delightful and a clear indicator that your work is going well. I enjoy hearing their voice tremble as they try to count and remember to say thank you or sorry, or Miss or Headmistress. While caning I am hyper-focused, concentrating on this moment, their bottom, the feel of the cane in my hand. I can hear their breath, the low hum of traffic outside, the ticking of the study clock, I can almost hear their heartbeat as they await the stroke. Then the sound of the cane as it swishes back then curves through the air with force and precision. I have noticed I grit my teeth as I deliver the stroke, and/or clench my jaw. I can feel the energy from the tips of my toes moving up through my body, through my arm and the cane, and into their body. Sometimes you can see someone ‘relax’ or swoon into a caning as it progresses. Their body softens as they surrender, and their voice changes timbre. They are spent when you have finished with them.

At the end of the caning I enjoy inspecting the bottom and admiring my work. I know that sounds a little vain, but it is such a visceral, visual pleasure. I like to run my fingertips or nails over the raised welts, and to examine each line. There should be a perfect griddle of lines now, although sometimes one stroke falls over another. I can’t bear to have gaps, and it is important to me that the lines are evenly-spaced, straight, and do not wrap round the hip. There should be a rectangle of clear lines. I may allow them to stand up and look at their lovely stripes in the mirror. I keep a long mirror in the study for moments like this. Then maybe corner time with their striped bottom on show. If it is a school role play I enjoy filling in the punishment book with the sound of the clock ticking again, and my pen moving over the page, before they are allowed to dress again and leave the room.

I think it’s fair to say I love giving the cane. I can go into a sort of trance while doing it, it makes me feel calm and serene and very focused. And there is sadistic pleasure to be had in wielding such power and such an implement with all its history and the skill needed to use it properly. There is a tendency to get up in your head about caning, it’s a little like ‘tree pose’ in yoga: balancing on one leg. Think too hard about it and you will falter or wobble. Relax and enjoy it, and you can do it. You may even find you’re surprisingly good at it.