The engines are attached to the rocket. Unless the engines are deliberately twisted, the thrust vector is going through the center of mass at all times, regardl

The engines are attached to the rocket. Unless the engines are deliberately twisted, the thrust vector is going through the center of mass at all times, regardless of tilt. So if a rocket tilts in flight, it will not tilt further and it will not fall back. The yard stick, if tilted, will tilt further still and eventually fall, unless caught.