December's Spell (haiku)

This is quite remarkable for a first haiku. Well done

Like everyone else said, the syllable count is spot on, as a first haiku, it's pretty good. Like Larry said, "winter's lullaby" is a bit cliche, and though cliches can work in some cases, its better not to use them in haikus, since they're traditionally meant to be written to concise, and lead to a sudden realization of sorts regarding the season or nature in some form, and cliches work against that goal. Instead of 'winter's lullaby at work-' you could've wrote 'December's awakening', although I consider it cliche, its more concise and you're not repeating any words (winter was used in the title).

That said, I enjoyed this! Great first attempt!

It is a great first effort!

Couple of comments. First, although the syllable count is deemed important in Western interpretations of the form, I would suggest to everyone that they read about how the "on" (Japanese term) relates to the Haiku and other Japanese forms (Senryu, Tanka) and the relationship between the On and a syllable.

Second, I think you realize there must be a departure of sorts in the final line. Your first setting depicts a winter land:

"Dry lonely sidewalks,"

There is nothing on the sidewalks, not even snow or leaves, it appears.

"winter's lullaby at work-"

"Winter's lullaby" may be a bit cliched; although I get your meaning you might use words not often paired together. As to the meaning, you continue the theme of emptiness suggesting that life slumbers, not showing itself.

Your departure is also a continuation.

"the lone leaf falls off."

You introduce a sudden movement that belies the emptiness of the landscape and yet becomes a puzzle: why is there a single leaf? Where are all those that went before? raked up? blown away? Covered in snow (although the lonely sidewalk belies this interpretation).

That action is a good change-up. However, I think it may be improved with some tweaks. First, I agree with Ben about the repetition of words. Here You use "lonely" and "lone" both. Also, I favor avoiding articles unless specifically called for. For my own style I prefer to cram as much meaning as possible into as few words as possible. You call attention to"the" leaf as though it were already in sight - it is not, the nature of your message is that it is the surprise. Even "a last" works better here, or perhaps "final."

Good work!

I am not great at formed poetry being fairly new to it myself, but I can tell you this much:
The syllable count is right. The 5/7/5 way you have laid the piece out is standard practice for haiku so that works too.
I have it on good authority that, because you have so few words in these pieces, repeating words is not the best idea (winter, in this case - title and in the actual poem).
Aside from that one small thing, the content and structure of this is wonderful.
All the best and congratulations on this first and rather good haiku from you!
Ben