I definitely recommend reading both the Foreword and the Footnotes before reading the poetry, they add a lot of context that makes the poetry a lot my readable. I found even these small bits of Sappho's remaining words to be moving and lovely. My favorite was #32 Bridesmaids' Carol II

"First voice:
Virginity O
My virginity!

Where will you go when I lose you?

Second voice:

I'm off to
A place I shall 
Never come back
From
      Dear Bride!
I shall never
Come back to you

   Never!"

Which I found delightfully humourous and relatable for all time periods.