My fourth left toenail is dented 

It makes running not so splendid 

In the past it was bruised then haphazardly removed 

Now that it’s regrown it’s mostly thick and yellow 

With a sliver of white lining at the end 

But the reality is not mellow 

With each step, it indents a little more 

Pressure with no release 

A situation that vaseline, wide shoes, silicone toe protectors, and toe socks can’t ease 

13 miles is distant 

In just six, I feel the resistance

But I go for eight 

And at the end, give my feet a break

Oofos cushiony flip flops 

And a walk 

My toenail breathes, barely intact

I take a seat 

And the nine others ask, “When can we go back?”