This year, the United States has received nearly 14,000 Burmese refugees, and agencies in Indianapolis, Ind., have resettled over 600 Chin refugees this year, mainly from camps in Malaysia. The Chin are one of the largest ethnic groups in Burma and mainly Christian. Here, many Chin have set up churches on the south side of Indianapolis, and are practicing Christianity openly for the first time in years. As part of the Weekend America series "One Thing," producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with Sui Tluangneh who was forced to flee his country because of the item he brought with him: a poem.

Special thanks to Lila Dobbs, Amber Cortes and Sanda Htyte for production help and to Exodus Refugee Immigration in Indianapolis.

"Victory with Identity" by Midnight

One of my friends I met one morning
After a very long time had made us apart
Firmly his hands shaked mine; his face smiling
Surprise and joy supposed, no words I could start

Recalled were the old days we spent together
When he was the most handsome among my friends
Now his eyes ...sunken; his skin also much darker
It's sure he was with some invisible pains

Beyond my expectation was his sudden arrival
Taking out of his bag something he gave me
That was nothing other than the "Chin National Journal"
Which seemed to have appeared with immeasurable difficulty

The book he gave me was actually made of paper
But for my hands it seemed to be made of iron
The cause of the heaviness of the book was because of its cover
One thousand words may not equal its illustration
Alas! A dove pierced through by a dagger
Is not the universal symbol of peace "dove"?
Who dare harm this beautiful innocent creature?
Surely the arms could by no means come from "love."
Once more I looked at the bird which was with strife
It was still able to struggle, raising its head
Though the arms with its utmost capability tried to take its life
Thank God! The creature is still living, not yet dead

Do you say, "How can I do for my land at the time like now"?
If you say so, know that you are dead, or you are a slave
Victory is never of Powers and Arms; why not you know?
Is not "now" the best time to everyone God gave?

Oh! My co-Chins! Are you still idly sitting?
Why not save the life of the pitiable creature?
Why not fight for your land which is under a deadly sting?
Why not start your national duty now with pleasure?
Change is the process of this world and of nature
Are you changed by somebody else other than "you"?
Unfortunately negative change is today's Chinland's feature
Oh Brothers! Let's with international outlook fight against this foe

Special Web Audio

The Chin Baptist Choir (2:44)

Chin children sing a hymn (2:48)

Sui's son Rocungnung Tluangneh playing an original song (3:13).

Sui's son reads his poem, "Victory with Identity" (3:18).